Slip and fall can happen anywhere, but they are common in grocery stores, malls, parking lots, and other public places. These accidents can cause surprisingly serious injuries and often leave victims wondering about their next steps.

Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident in Virginia is key to building a winning premises liability claim so you can move forward with proper financial support. Essentially, your immediate actions should be geared towards safeguarding your health and legal rights to seek compensation.

To avoid missteps that may jeopardize your case, work with a Virginia slip and fall lawyer at an award-winning personal injury law firm. Call Geoff McDonald & Associates for guidance on the next steps following your accident.

4 Steps To Take Following a Slip and Fall

The steps you take following an injury from a slip and fall incident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. These actions serve as the foundation of your legal claim, so it’s essential to proceed carefully. Here’s what slip and fall accident attorneys recommend:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care

Seeking medical attention is key in personal injury cases. First, your injuries will be assessed and treated based on their nature and severity. Additionally, medical diagnosis is key in connecting the injuries with the incident in question. This will help in building your claim for compensation, as medical records serve as important evidence for your claim.

2. Notify the Property Manager / Owner

Following a slip and fall incident in Virginia, you should report the case to the relevant party, such as the landlord, store manager, or property owner. Upon making the report, request a copy of the incident report and document any communications.

At this point, you should be cautious of your statements, such as implying that you played a role in causing the incident or downplaying your injuries. Such statements can be used to lower your claim’s worth or even deny it altogether.

3. Avoid Insurance Communications Without a Lawyer

If the business or property owner’s insurance company reaches out to you before you have a chance to schedule a legal consultation, be cautious. They are often seeking statements from you to use to minimize your settlement or deny your claim. It is best to politely decline to give any recorded statements and never accept any settlement offers without legal advice. Inform the insurer you plan to hire an attorney and will refer communications to them.

4. Consult a Richmond Slip and Fall Lawyer

Once you know you have injuries, do not wait to consult a Virginia slip and fall attorney who knows the law and how to pursue a successful claim.

Virginia’s Premises Liability Law

Virginia law requires property owners to put reasonable effort into maintaining safe premises. To hold a property owner liable, you must prove the following:

A hazardous condition existed.
The owner was aware or should have been aware of the situation.
The hazard directly caused your injuries.

Working with an attorney is highly advisable so as to ensure you can satisfy these legal requirements and build a winning claim. They will leverage their knowledge to maximize your compensation. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, you only have two years following an incident to file a lawsuit if necessary, which is surprisingly not much time following an injury. Act quickly.

Call a Lawyer To Know What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Virginia

Managing a slip and fall accident claim is never easy, especially when you’re focused on recovery. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, our lawyers can step in to represent your interests and rights during the claims process. We’ll investigate your accident and negotiate with insurers for adequate compensation. Contact us today at 804-888-8888 to schedule your free consultation.

What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Virginia