CHICAGO, IL – A slip and fall accident at a friend’s house can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially when you have to address potential injuries and determine liability; however, it’s important to take the following actionable steps to protect your health and legal rights. No one wants to sue their friend, but what happens when you have thousands in medical debt because of a genuine accident? You have the right to pursue compensation through their insurance provider. If they don’t have an insurance provider, then the situation can become more complicated, but you still need to seek out compensation to cover your economic and non-economic losses.
To get started on your recovery, you need to understand your injuries and identify opportunities to recover compensation for the damages. Then, you need to contact a Chicago, Illinois personal injury attorney.
Always Seek Medical Attention
Spinal cord and head injuries or among the two most common injuries to come from slip or fall situations. It’s possible for people to fall and hit their head, then experience swelling, loss of consciousness, concussions and more serious brain trauma. Often when people slip and fall, there’s a high likelihood that they’ll hit their head on a nearby object.
Your health and well-being should be your first priority following a slip and fall accident. If you sustain any injuries, you should seek immediate medical attention even if you feel the injuries are minor. A healthcare provider can assess your condition, provide necessary treatment and document your injuries, which is crucial in the event you pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.
Alert the Homeowner
It’s critical to notify the homeowner of the slip and fall accident as soon as possible. You should provide them details of the accident which includes the cause, location and any injuries you sustained. Notifying them will not only alert them to a potential hazard but serve as a record of the incident should you decide to pursue a claim.
Document the Slip and Fall Incident
You should gather any evidence related to your slip and fall accident by taking photos or videos of the scene, including the hazard that caused your fall. If there were any witnesses, collect their contact information and ask them to provide a statement. You should also maintain records of any lost wages, medical bills or other expenses you incurred from your injuries.
Consider an Insurance Claim
Depending on the circumstances of your slip and fall accident and the homeowner’s insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. It’s important to hire a skilled attorney who can review the homeowner’s insurance policy to determine if it includes liability coverage for accidents that occur on the property. If so, you need to file a claim with the insurance company and provide the necessary documentation and evidence to support your case.
Get the Support You Need Through Your Slip and Fall Claim with a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Most people underestimate the damage that can come from slipping and falling, especially in a home you’re familiar with. Debris left out on the floor, liquid on the ground and uneven surfaces can all contribute to unexpected falls. Homeowners and renters are typically pretty careful, especially when they have friends over, but accidents happen.
The important thing to understand is that finally, a lawsuit against the homeowner is not a personal attack. At the Dinizulu Law Group, our team of experienced and compassionate attorneys can help you file the lawsuit to address the damages through homeowner’s insurance. Ideally, recovering damages will have minimal impact on your friendship.
Contact us today by filling out this form and we will reach out to you or by calling our office at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation today.
