Author:
How Long do I Have to Report a Slip and Fall Accident?
If you’ve been injured, you may be wondering, “how long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit?” These types of injury-causing incidents happen to many people every day. In fact, falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States. In Washington State, you have three years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim in court. There are many factors to consider when deciding if and when to commence your pursuit of damages for a slip and fall case. Consult an experienced Slip and Fall lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to know your options and the most advantageous way to proceed.
Your Health Is Paramount After a Slip and Fall Accident
After a slip and fall accident, there are many things to consider. First, you must take care of your health and seek necessary medical care. Keep in mind that some injuries that occur from a fall may not be immediately apparent and may need evaluation.
Document Your Injuries
As soon as you are able, you should begin to document your injuries- both financial and physical. Keep copies of any medical bills you incur due to the accident. This may start with an ambulance to the hospital and continue until your physician deems your treatment complete. You will also want to retain any bills or invoices for any medical devices and medications that are necessary. It is also advisable to photograph any injuries, including cuts, bruises, and abrasions caused by the accident.
Keep Track of Your Financial Losses
In addition, there are other financial losses that you may incur because of your accident. This includes lost wages for any work that you miss as well as other expenses. Keep copies of your pay stubs or checks from before your accident so you can show the money you would have earned if you had not been injured. Any documentation that you can compile will help with evaluating your losses.
Gather Any Available Information
Finally, it is always a good idea to collect other evidence to bolster your case. It is helpful to obtain as much information as possible about your accident. You may wish to request a copy of any internal accident reports filed by the owner/ tenant of the location where your accident occurred. Pictures of the scene close to the time of the incident can be beneficial. If possible, obtain the contact information and statements of any witnesses. It is also helpful for you to write down your memory of the events surrounding your injury as soon as possible. You will want to include information about any hazards present when you fell, such as slippery or dangerous floor surfaces, poor lighting, or other dangers present at the time.
We Can Help
It is essential to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to begin to weigh your options as to how you will proceed. Sometimes negotiation with an insurance company or the entity responsible for your injuries may resolve your case. Other cases may require litigation. Your lawyer can help you strategize how to resolve your matter most favorably. While Washington State’s three-year statute of limitations in slip and fall cases may make it sound like you have plenty of time to wait before filing a lawsuit, remember that building a case is time-consuming. An experienced personal injury lawyer will advise you about the optimal time to file your claim in light of your financial losses, ongoing medical treatment, and other factors which are specific to your situation.
Schedule a free consultation with us now to evaluate your slip and fall case, or call us at 206-487-1943.
If you have questions about your case, please contact us at [email protected] or (253) 236-4079.
