Many accidents happen suddenly and without warning. Even so, people can still be held responsible for an accident occurring. If you get injured on someone else’s property, you may have the legal right to get compensated.
Whether you slipped on an icy sidewalk, tripped on uneven flooring or were injured by unsafe conditions in a building, understanding what to do next is an important step toward safeguarding your health and your legal rights.
Seek immediate medical intervention
Your top priority following an accident on someone else’s property should be to seek immediate medical intervention. Make an effort to secure your health and well-being, even if you think that your injuries are minor. Injuries that initially seem minor may eventually worsen and threaten your well-being.
Seeking medical attention can also help you document your injury for any legal action you may decide to take. By promptly scheduling a doctor’s appointment, you can determine and document the acuteness of your injuries.
Report the incident
If you get injured on a commercial property, you should file an incident report with the property owner or manager. Your incident report should be as elaborate as possible to minimize the chance of the property owner dismissing your claim.
If you were injured in a residential building, you should speak with the landlord or property management company about your accident. For accidents on public property, you may need to report the incident to a municipal agency like the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation or the Department of Transportation.
Document evidence
To support a legal claim, you will need concrete, compelling evidence from the accident scene. You should begin by preserving the articles of clothing you wore on the day of the accident. The damage they sustained can provide information about the acuteness of the accident. You should also keep all receipts for the medical expenses you incurred during your recovery.
Knowing what to do after being injured on someone else’s property can help you protect your health and your legal rights. By following the outlined steps and enlisting trusted legal support, you may be able to get compensated for your injury through a premises liability lawsuit.
