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Generally speaking, a business is responsible for the safety of the customers while they are on its premises. Unfortunately, premises accidents are more common than you may believe and injuries can be more serious than you may imagine. You may slip and fall on a wet floor or a cracked pavement or trip over cleaning equipment. Although these accidents don’t sound dangerous, the implications can be life-changing.
Imagine sustaining a spinal cord injury that could leave you incapacitated for life or a fracture that could put you off your job for a few weeks. In any case, you deserve compensation and the business is liable to pay if the mishap is the result of their negligence. But everything boils down to proving their fault, which is only possible if you take the right approach. Here are some guidelines that you need to follow to get your rightful compensation if injured on a business property.
Seek immediate medical attention
Getting proper medical attention and treatment should be your top priority after an accident, whether on-road or business premises. If the injury seems to be serious, avoid moving, and just call for help. This is important if there are neck or back injuries because things can be very serious. Don’t ignore minor injuries if you are able to move and walk. Some injuries tend to show up later and can get even worse over time. A headache or lingering pain after the mishap can be warning signs. Timely medical attention after an accident is important to get on the road to healing. At the same time, it gives you access to the medical documentation which you will absolutely need to prove the validity of your claim.
Gather evidence
Just like any other personal injury case, you need to gather substantial evidence if you get injured at business premises. After you call for help, you must get evidence for documenting the scene. Memorize everything that happened and take pictures to prove facts related to negligence and unsafe conditions which caused the negligence. For example, clutter on a staircase, wet flooring without a warning sign, or a broken step that isn’t labeled can be signed to look out for. Be watchful about surveillance cameras because most businesses have them installed. Subsequently, your attorney can demand to access the footage of the accident and the business owner will have to provide it.
Get details of eyewitnesses
Business premises accident claims are often tricky to prove and witness testimonies can make all the difference. If you are fortunate enough to have some eyewitnesses around at the accident spot, get their contact details. The details would make it easier to locate them if you need them to testify in court. According to Keith Williams a personal injury attorney in Nashville TN, they can actually be game-changers as they bring an outsider’s perspective and back up your story with their accounts. The business owner may try to prove that the accident happened due to your carelessness rather than their negligence. This is exactly where a witness testimony can come to your rescue.
Notify the business owner
Another important step that you shouldn’t miss after an injury on business premises is notifying the owner about the mishap. If no one witnessed the accident, find an employee, and notify them. This becomes all the more important when there isn’t an eyewitness. Moreover, businesses often have policies that need an official accident report by the victim. The employee will ask you questions about the incident and fill out the report to complete the formalities. Give them complete and accurate information but do not admit your fault or explain your injuries in detail. Keep note of everything the employee tells you and record their name as well.
Find a lawyer with the right experience
After getting treatment for your injury, you must find a lawyer to represent you and file a claim for compensation. It makes sense to look for someone who specializes in personal injury lawsuits and has experience with business premises injuries as well. The case will require you to prove the liability of the business owner, which is easier said than done. They will have their legal defense and things can get hard if you don’t have a seasoned lawyer who understands the legal technicalities of investigations.
Injuries on business property can put your life off track, often resulting in medical bills and lost wages depending on the extent of the injury. Therefore, you must pursue a compensation claim and make all efforts to get the fair settlement you deserve.
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