Five Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Montana

Slip and fall accidents don’t get much attention. While many of them result in only minor injuries, many people don’t realize how seriously they can be injured – slip and fall accident victims routinely suffer concussions and other head injuries, injuries to their faces, broken teeth, broken bones, and deep lacerations. As a result, it’s important to know what steps you should take in the event that you are injured in a slip and fall accident. That said, an experienced Billings slip and fall attorney can help you build your case and understand your options. 

1. Report the Incident

One of the first things you should do is report the incident to the property owner or whoever is responsible for managing or maintaining the property. Slip and fall accidents that occur on private property tend to be less complex than those that occur on commercial or public property, but in either case, it is often far more difficult than many people expect to figure out who they should report the accident to. As a result, you should be sure to make your report in writing – email is sufficient – and provide the date, time, and location of where you fell. 

This is an important step in the process because property owners often have an obligation to promptly notify their insurers of any potential claim. If you wait to report your accident, the claim may be denied by their insurance, which may limit your options for recovery. 

2. Get a Thorough Medical Exam

If you’ve taken a serious fall, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The sooner any injuries are diagnosed, the sooner you can get the treatment you need to get better. 

It’s also important to remember that many injuries may not manifest themselves right away. If you declined medical treatment at first, don’t hesitate to schedule an exam if you begin to experience symptoms. In addition, don’t hesitate to make a follow-up appointment if your symptoms persist or get worse.   

3. Document the Accident

You want to document the scene of the accident as soon as you are able. Thankfully, smartphones make this easy. Snap as many photos as you can of the condition that caused your accident. Try to capture it from multiple angles so that you are sure to capture the issue accurately and in as much detail as possible.  

We also recommend that you get a copy of any accident reports that were generated. It may also be helpful for you to jot down your own notes regarding what happened. 

4. Contact the Witnesses

You want to get in touch with any witnesses to the accident. Ask them to prepare a written statement regarding what they saw, and be sure to get all of their contact information in the event that you need to contact them later. 

5. Document Your Injuries

In the event that you need to pursue a claim, you will have to prove that you were injured and the losses you suffered as a result of those injuries. You want to make sure you keep copies of all medical bills, doctor’s reports, and any other documents that record your injuries and the treatment required. You should also document any lost wages or other income you suffered as a result of your accident. 

Call an Experienced Billings Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall accidents are more complicated than many people think. Unfortunately, they often discover their mistakes only once it’s too late. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, Billings slip and fall attorney Jim Ragain can help you build your case. Call us today at 406-651-8888 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and discuss how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.