If you have sustained serious injuries while visiting someone else’s residential property or business premises in Idaho, you may qualify for compensation.
Such accidents may be caused by: loose carpeting or tiles, defective elevators, poor lighting, inadequate security, wet floors, and more. Homeowners, stores, and public places have the responsibility to exercise reasonable care. They need to ensure that persons coming into their property are safe.
In private properties, the owner needs to conduct regular inspections and repairs if necessary. If there are any dangerous conditions, they need to notify their visitors. Failure to inform visitors about these conditions could attract liability in case of injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury on private property, here are the most critical steps to take.
Get a Police Report
Contact the police and obtain a report from them. The report will include the details of the accident, and you can use it when pursuing compensation. If possible, get this report before leaving the scene.
Get Medical Attention
One of the first steps is to seek medical help. While it may seem obvious, many people neglect this step. The severity of injuries is not always apparent immediately.
You may not realize how hurt you are until a few days, weeks, or months later. Get your doctor to examine you even if you don’t believe you are injured.
Gather As Much Evidence as Possible
Take photos and videos before moving anything from the point of the accident. You don’t need a professional camera for this. Your smartphone camera should be enough. Ensure that your videos and photos display the conditions that caused your injury.
If there were witnesses, ask for their written description of the events and contact information. They should be able to describe conditions leading to your accident. These may include;
- Security
- Floor
- Lighting
The other essential pieces of information to preserve include; clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident. Store them safely without cleaning or changing them.
Preserve Receipts and Medical Records
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be reimbursed for your expenses after the accident. However, this may be difficult if you have no receipts and medical records. They act as proof that the injuries caused both physical and financial damages.
Don’t Sign Anything Without Getting Legal Advice
Do not sign any paperwork without consulting Idaho personal injury lawyers. If you have been injured in someone’s private property, their insurance provider may try convincing you to sign a lease. Wait until your lawyer is present. Please speak with your attorney before providing them with the details of your accident as well.
Whether you have been injured in a commercial or residential private property, you may be eligible for compensation. The property owner has a legal duty of care.
Therefore, you may sue them for failure to keep their property safe or warn about the existing danger. Taking the proper steps right after injury increases your likelihood of receiving reimbursement.
