You rely on property owners to keep their sidewalks in good condition, their floors dry and hazard-free and their stairways safe. When they do not and you slip and fall, you can face an uncertain future. How will you afford your bills with costly medical care and time away from work? Can you hold these property owners responsible?
Slip and fall accidents are the cause of more than a million emergency room visits every year, and they can cause fractures, sprains, head trauma and even long-term disability. Your recovery can depend on the next steps you take.
Get medical care as soon as possible.
This can be a daunting first step to take, but getting medical care as soon as possible will keep your injuries from worsening. Doctors can diagnose your injuries, ensure that you don’t have internal injuries or other conditions that may be unnoticeable now and give you an idea of the care you may need to recover.
Getting medical care immediately also allows you to fully document your injuries and show that they are related to the fall you suffered. This can be particularly important if you want to pursue legal action against the property owner whose negligence contributed to your fall because it documents your injuries and shows that they were related to your fall.
If you choose to take legal action, don’t wait.
Under Georgia law, you have two years to bring a case against a property owner. In a personal injury case, you could be eligible for compensation to help you pay for medical care, lost wages from time away from work and the toll that your suffering has taken. However, if time runs out on your case you could be left to shoulder the financial, medical and emotional challenges yourself.
Remember that you are not alone.
While it can be easy to feel as though you face your injuries alone, it is possible to find an ally and advocate to make your voice heard. Working with an attorney allows you to hold property owners responsible, allowing you to get the financial and medical support you need to move forward.