Slipping and falling in a public place can be painful and embarrassing. In the best-case scenario, you might walk away with only a bruise, but some falls are more serious.
After a fall, how you react is important. Avoid making these common mistakes.
Leaving the scene too quickly
If you are able, there are some things you should do before leaving the establishment.
- Report your fall to a manager
- Ask for a written incident report
- Speak with witnesses
- Get photos of the scene
Gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene.
Apologizing
Avoid apologizing, accepting blame or downplaying the seriousness of the fall.
If the fall occurred after you overlooked a warning sign or entered an off-limits area, it may be difficult to recover compensation. However, it may still be possible under Kansas’ comparative negligence law. To avoid compromising your case, do not admit any fault, even if you feel partly to blame.
Delaying medical care
Your injuries might seem minor, but some injuries take hours or days to become apparent. You also need to obtain a medical report as soon as possible. Documenting your injuries is important to your case.
Ignoring your doctor’s orders
Follow the recommendations of your doctor and physical therapist. This is important to both your recovery and your legal case. If you fail to follow your prescribed treatment, the defendant’s insurance company may use this against you.
Settling too hastily
The insurance company may offer a settlement, but you should think carefully before accepting it. In Kansas, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Take time to consider the potential long-term costs of your injury before settling.
Choosing your words and actions carefully after a slip and fall accident can help you if you decide to pursue legal action.