Accidents happen. But when you are hurt in a slip-and-fall accident that is not your fault, the law allows you to pursue a property liability lawsuit against the at-fault party so you can receive compensation for your injuries, lost income and other damages.
A slip-and-fall accident can leave you shaken and confused. However, it is important to understand that what you do, or do not do, following your accident can have a great impact on the outcome of your case. Here are three costly mistakes you need to steer clear of after a slip-and-fall accident.
Failing to collect evidence
To file your slip and fall lawsuit, you must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. And this is where your evidence comes in. Was the floor wet or slippery at the time of your accident? Were you tripped by a torn carpet? Were the stairs poorly lit? It is important that you capture evidence regarding your accident. With your camera, you can take photos of the circumstances that lead to your slip and fall.
Failing to seek treatment
A slip-and-fall accident can result in serious injuries. It is important that you seek treatment as soon as you can following your injury. Even if you do not think you are hurt, it is important that you are examined by a doctor since some injuries may take longer to manifest. In failing to seek your treatment, the defendant might argue that the injuries for which you are seeking compensation did not result from the accident; otherwise, you would have sought treatment immediately.
Procrastinating your lawsuit
Slip-and-fall accidents fall under personal injury claims. Every state has timelines within which victims must file their personal injury claims to be eligible for compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations. In New Mexico, slip and fall victims have three years from the date of the injury to file personal injury claims against the at-fault party.
If you are hurt in someone else’s property following a slip-and-fall accident, it is important that you explore your eligibility for compensation resulting from your injury.