Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone at any time. A slip and fall accident may cause severe injuries and may require hospitalization. Our attorneys have seen serious injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident, including broken bones, back and spine damage, and severe neck and head injuries, among others.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a slip and fall accident, you likely have questions about who is responsible for the accident, how you are going to pay your medical bills, and whether you can take legal action. You’re probably wondering what you should do next.
Our team has extensive experience helping injured individuals in Shelby and throughout surrounding areas of North Carolina. We are ready to help you.
The following are a few helpful steps that you should take if you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident.
What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
- Seek medical attention – If you or a loved one has been injured due to a slip and fall accident, seek medical care immediately. If you decide to seek compensation for your injuries, medical records documenting the treatment you were forced to undergo will be a valuable component when building a strong case. Compensation, if awarded, will often help cover the costs of any medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred after the accident.
- Report the accident – Report the accident to the property owner and ask to get a copy of any documentation that they record. Whether you are in a store, in a parking lot, at your apartment complex, on a sidewalk, or somewhere else, you should report the slip and fall to the owner or management of the facility.
- Document everything – After you report the incident, make sure to document all of the details. Take pictures of the exact location where the slip and fall accident occurred. Be sure to include the time of day the incident occurred, the weather or any other condition that may have contributed to the slip and fall, the types of clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident, as well as noting what exactly you were doing leading up to the accident. Save your shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident, and don’t wash them.
- Call an attorney – An experienced attorney will know what needs to be done to build the best possible case. We understand that seeking compensation for your injuries is critical to helping you recover following a serious injury accident. We believe that you should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence, and we are prepared to fight on your behalf.
In addition to the steps above, we have provided the answers to a few frequently asked questions about slip and fall accidents in North Carolina below:
How soon should I see a doctor after a slip and fall accident?
It is often critical that injured individuals seek emergency medical attention after a serious accident. However, in some circumstances, people may delay seeking treatment, especially if they initially think their injuries are not as serious as they actually are. It is always wiser to visit a doctor as soon as possible after an accident to make sure that you receive the proper care and that any injuries are immediately diagnosed and documented.
How long do you have to file a slip and fall claim?
In the state of North Carolina, the personal injury statute of limitations applies to a majority of the slip and fall accidents. According to North Carolina General Statutes section 1-52, a victim of a slip and fall accident must file a personal injury claim within three years following the date of the accident. There are some very narrow exceptions to this deadline.
Get Help From Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyers Now
At Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., you get the personal attention that a small law firm can provide, along with the resources and experience of a powerful, large firm. We understand that a slip and fall accident can be a painful and expensive experience, and we firmly believe that you should not be forced to pay the costs of recovery if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
Our dedicated personal injury lawyers serve clients in Shelby, Cleveland County, Gaston County, Gastonia, Lincoln County, Lincolnton, Rutherford County, Rutherfordton, and surrounding areas of North Carolina. We are ready to speak with you today about your case. Contact Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., to learn more about how our experienced trial lawyers can assist you.
A native North Carolinian and a fourth-generation lawyer, Ralph W. Meekins literally had the desire to help those who are not able to help themselves as well as to be a practical life adviser to people in his blood.
