Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in just a moment, yet they often have long-lasting effects, ranging from minor bruises to serious injuries. Colorado’s unique mix of icy winters, outdoor activities, and bustling urban areas makes these incidents fairly common.
Understanding what to do immediately following such an accident can make a whole difference in protecting your health and seeking claims for a personal injury. This guide shows how one should act in cases of a slip-and-fall accident in Colorado.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should be the first priority. Injuries that initially appear minor can prove to be more serious, like concussions or internal bleeding when revealed much later. Immediate consultation with a doctor ensures good medical treatment and provides documented proof of injury.
Medical records will often form the basis of personal injury claims. They establish the link between the accident and your condition, which can strengthen your case if legal action becomes necessary.
Remember to keep all your receipts, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. Your attorney will need these documents when trying to estimate the full extent of your damages.
Report the Incident
After attending to your wellness, promptly notify the property owner or manager about your incident. If it happened in a store, restaurant, or public place, request that an official incident report be filed.
When describing what happened, stick to factual details. Moreover, avoid admitting fault or making assumptions about the cause of your fall.
To make your report more effective, request a copy for your records. This document should include accurate details about the accident’s location, time, and conditions.
Document the Scene
Personal injury claims are usually based on evidence, so details must be collected as soon as the fall occurs. Ideally, take pictures or videos of the area where you slipped with your phone, paying particular attention to any ice patches, wet floors, or uneven surfaces.
Witnesses can help strengthen your case, too. It would be beneficial to ask anyone around you if they witnessed the incident and to get their contact information for future reference.
Also, preserve whatever might have been involved in the accident, like torn clothing or slippery shoes. These items could be used as physical evidence if there is a dispute over how and why the incident happened.
Avoid Quick Settlements
“Insurance companies may make an effort to minimize payouts by offering a quick settlement shortly after the slip and fall. The tempting offer will usually not meet long-term medical expenses and other damages you might be presented with later on,” says Amy Gaiennie, a personal injury attorney from Amy G Injury Firm.
Be sure to consider the full extent of your injuries before settling. Injuries such as spinal damage or joint problems might not present themselves immediately but could prove to be costly to treat in the future.
It is important to involve professionals before making your decisions. A personal injury attorney can check the terms of any settlement offer you receive and ensure that it is consistent with the real financial cost of your accident over time.
Seek Help from a Personal Injury Attorney Who Is Knowledgeable about Colorado Laws
The specific laws of Colorado governing slips and falls include particularized rules for premises liability and time limits for filing a complaint. If you are unfamiliar with these legalities, you will risk overlooking critical opportunities in the development of your case.
A good attorney can help you through the process and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company or another party. Their knowledge at each stage ensures that your rights are well-protected.
Many attorneys offer free consultations, in which you are able to discuss your case with no upfront costs. They can assess liability, gather evidence, and calculate the full scope of damages, including medical bills and lost wages.
Media Information:
Amy G Injury Firm
3801 E. Florida Ave.
Suite 100
Denver, Colorado 80210
(720) 759-2151
