Simply walking in a normal and predictable manner might suddenly result in an injury due to another party’s negligence. If you are on property that is owned or controlled by someone other than you and you are injured due to slipping, tripping, or falling because of a dangerous condition, you have the right to hold negligent parties accountable. If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, here’s what you should do.

Report the Accident

Texas law says a property owner has the duty of care to maintain reasonably safe premises for any visitors. If a dangerous condition exists and you slip, trip, or fall, you should report it to someone who is in charge of the premises. If you are inside a store, you should notify a clerk or, preferably, a manager in charge of the store or the area in which the accident occurred. Doing so will help to prove that dangerous conditions existed and the accident happened.

Document the Dangerous Condition

You might be among the many who carry a cell phone with you while you are running errands. Cellphones commonly include cameras, which you can use to take photos of the dangerous conditions that caused you to slip and fall. You also might take photos of the general condition of the premises if it is in general disrepair and clearly lacks attention. The people who own or control a property could be liable for negligence if they do not take reasonable measures to identify and correct dangerous conditions that might cause injury accidents.

Obtain Medical Treatment

You cannot prevail in a negligence case if you cannot prove you suffered harm. Obtaining medical treatment will help to determine any physical harm that you might have suffered. The sooner you obtain the medical diagnosis and treatment, the easier it is to prove that your injuries are directly related to the slip-and-fall accident. Without proof of harm, you do not have a case. An injury and medical costs are proof of harm, which enables you to hold liable parties accountable.

Retain an Attorney

The best way to present a strong case against liable parties is to retain an attorney. An experienced slip and fall attorney in San Antonio-located can help you to hold liable parties accountable by building a strong case with ample supporting evidence. Your attorney can depose any possible witnesses and initiate legal action as needed to uphold your claim and hold liable parties accountable.

Your attorney also can prevent opposing attorneys, insurers, or debt collectors from contacting you directly while the matter is being settled. All related communications must go through your attorney. If you suffer an injury and miss work, you might fall behind on your medical bills or other related costs. Your attorney can contact any debt collectors, halt the collections process, and have them remove any negative comments on your credit report while the matter is being decided.

Gather Evidence to Support Your Claims

A slip and fall attorney San Antonio residents retain also can help to compile evidence that supports their claims. If you took photos or have contact information for witnesses, your attorney can use that to help support your claims. Your attorney can depose witnesses, prepare evidence, and file strongly supported legal claims in court if necessary. Your attorney also can deal with any insurers who might try to lowball a settlement or delay payment if you have an especially strong claim for harm caused by the negligent owners or operators of a property.