What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident at My Apartment Complex

Property managers and landlords are responsible for maintaining the common areas of an apartment complex, including hallways and stairwells. If you experience an accident in one of these shared spaces, you can work with a slip and fall lawyer to pursue compensation for your injuries. Here are several steps to take after a slip and fall accident:

Seek Medical Attention

Slip and fall accidents can result in minor consequences, such as cuts or bruises, or more severe injuries, such as broken bones. In the most severe cases, brain trauma or spinal cord damage can result from a slip and fall. Even if your injuries seem small, receive medical attention promptly after the accident. This allows you to provide a clear connection between a slip and fall and your injuries, even if symptoms take longer to appear. Keep all medical records and bills to provide evidence for your claim and to determine damages.

Take Pictures of the Scene

If you are able to, determine what caused the fall immediately after your accident. Slip and fall hazards at apartment complexes include icy stairs and walkways, spills or debris on the floor of common areas, and poorly maintained elevators. As an accident victim, you have the right to document the scene.

Document and take pictures of the hazard, the surrounding areas, and your injuries. If there are any witnesses to your fall, such as other renters, get their contact information so they can provide witness statements. Witness statements help add credibility to your claim. Make sure to write down the time, date, weather, and conditions of your accident to provide thorough documentation.

Review Your Lease

For you to receive compensation, you will need to prove that the property manager or owner acted negligently. An apartment owner may be held responsible for a slip and fall if they:

• Did not provide adequate signage for floor hazards.
• Failed to clean snow and ice from the property in a reasonable amount of time.
• Did not maintain exercise areas or elevators.

When you are able to, review your apartment lease. The terms of your lease can provide additional information about the responsibilities of a landlord or property owner relating to accidents. This may help determine liability.

Find a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Consult with a slip and fall lawyer to identify the next steps to take for your personal injury claim. At Philly Slip and Fall Guys, we will assist you with filing a personal injury claim. This includes submitting all relevant paperwork on time, as missed deadlines could result in a rejected claim. One of our lawyers will examine the available evidence and help determine who is liable for the accident. We will ask you about the circumstances of the fall, who owns the property, and the extent of your injuries. Bring accident documentation, medical bills and reports, evidence of lost wages, and other relevant evidence to the consultation. This information helps us evaluate your case and calculate the damages.

Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, meet with a lawyer to determine the percentage of your responsibility. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence act states that victims can still receive compensation if they hold less blame for the accident than the other party. The percentage you are at fault is typically deducted from your overall compensation.

Economic damages include factors such as medical costs, lost wages, travel expenses for hospital trips, and home or vehicle upgrades after significant injury. Non-economic damages refer to the physical or emotional pain and suffering you have experienced after the fall. If you are no longer able to participate in favorite activities, bring a list of them to your lawyer. Our lawyers can calculate damages to estimate your potential compensation.

Evaluate Insurance Settlements

An agent from the property owner’s insurance company may contact you for additional information following your claim. You can ask your lawyer to handle communications with the company, allowing you to focus on your recovery. The insurance company may offer a settlement to cover medical expenses or damages. Make sure to consult with your lawyer before accepting any settlement offers.

Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to help secure fair compensation. If the offer is insufficient, we can take your case to court. Potential awards from a civil claim may include medical bill coverage, compensation for pain, and payment for legal fees. Philly Slip and Fall Guys will support you in building your case.

Schedule a Consultation With Philly Slip and Fall Guys

At Philly Slip and Fall Guys, we are experienced in premises liability and personal injury cases. Our team can assist you with indoor and outdoor cases, whether you tripped on a broken tile or slipped on an icy sidewalk. Fill out our online form or give us a call today to schedule a meeting with a slip and fall lawyer.