Injuries can strike at any time and slip and falls are no exception. Beyond the immediate physical pain, you’ve also got financial and emotional challenges to worry about. If you or someone you know has recently experienced a slip and fall, it’s important to talk to an experienced Indiana injury lawyer as soon as possible.
One thing that any good injury attorney will tell you is that evidence is crucial to a slip and fall claim. If you think you might have a slip and fall claim, and you haven’t gathered any evidence yet, it’s time to start.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First things first: If you haven’t been to the doctor, you should do that. In the state of Indiana, seeking prompt medical attention after the injury is the foundation of a slip and fall case. If you don’t seek medical attention, your case has no foundation to build upon.
Under Indiana law, the primary duty of an injured person is to prioritize recovery. This means seeking medical attention immediately following the incident, attending subsequent medical appointments, and diligently adhering to the doctor’s recommendations.
If You’re Given Professional Medical Advice, Follow It
Missing a follow-up appointment without a valid reason can have a negative impact on your case. So can failing to follow through on a doctor’s recommendations. If you expect to win in court, it’s important to show your sincere commitment to the recovery process.
To maximize the potential compensation of your slip and fall claim, it’s essential to demonstrate that you sought medical attention promptly and followed your doctor’s advice. If you don’t follow your doctor’s advice, the insurance company is going to argue that you’re at least partially responsible for your present condition.
Be Thorough with Medical Documentation
Building a strong foundation for your personal injury case begins with accurate and detailed medical documentation. Complete transparency with healthcare providers is key—do not downplay any pain or discomfort and be sure to communicate with anyone who’s conducting a physical examination.
It’s never a bad idea to review your medical records, if only to make sure all of your symptoms and issues have been documented properly. If permitted by your healthcare provider, take advantage of the opportunity to review your records and stay informed.
Talk to Potential Witnesses
Witnesses can be instrumental in fortifying your slip and fall claim. There are two distinct types of witnesses—fact witnesses and before-and-after witnesses—and each plays a critical role.
A fact witness provides crucial information about the circumstances of your slip and fall, while a before-and-after witness can explain how your life has been impacted by the injury.
Both witness types are equally important in maximizing the strength of your case. Their testimonies can provide key insights and serve to corroborate your claims.
Visual Evidence Through Photographs and Videos
Never underestimate the power of visual evidence, especially through photographs and videos. This type of evidence can help document the scene of the injury (for example, an uneven floor or an icy surface), but it can also include documentation of your injuries.
Photos and/or video of any visible wounds or abrasions can serve as visual evidence long after your memory of the incident has faded. Photographic evidence can have a significant influence on claims adjusters, insurance companies, juries, and even judges.
Do not hesitate to take photos or videos of the hazards that caused the slip and fall. Any evidence you gather can serve to strengthen your case.
Maintain a Symptom and Progress Journal
Keeping a personal journal that tracks your symptoms, pain levels, and overall recovery progress can be a crucial asset in tracking your injuries and their impact on your life. By recording these details on a daily basis, you create a comprehensive and chronological account of the challenges you’re facing.
Concentrate on the specific injuries sustained in the slip and fall, as this information can play a pivotal role in your case. This journal can be a key resource, offering insight into your daily struggles and healing process and serving as a tool to advocate for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Talk to Your Attorney About Expert Opinions
In certain slip and fall cases, the opinion of an expert witness can be a game-changer. A person with very particular technical knowledge—like a medical professional, an economist, or a quality-of-life specialist—can provide valuable insights into your injuries, your loss of income, and your diminished quality of life.
An experienced Indiana injury lawyer can help to coordinate the involvement of an expert witness, if that is appropriate to your circumstances.
Don’t Delay, Reach Out Today
While slip and fall incidents can lead to frustration and pain, it’s important to remember that with compelling evidence and the guidance of an experienced Indiana injury lawyer, just compensation doesn’t have to be a fantasy.
The Marc Lopez Law Firm is just a phone call away, and we take care of the legal complexities so you can focus your energy on recovery. If you’ve suffered a slip and fall, call us today at 317-632-3642 and let us turn your frustration into compensation.
