10 Things to Know Before Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Claim

Posted on April 18, 2023 by admin

If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. You should hire a slip and fall attorney to represent you as soon as you can and there are some important things that you should know. Continue reading to review 10 essential tips to help make sure your case is successful.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Slip Fall Lawyer in Indianapolis IN

Thinking About Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?

Read Through These Tips First:

1. Document the Accident – Take pictures and video (if possible) of the hazard that caused your fall, as well as any injuries you sustained and any medical treatments you’ve received. This information may be needed to prove that you were indeed injured in a slip and fall accident.

2. Get Medical Treatment Immediately – It is important to seek medical treatment right away after an injury so that it can be documented in your medical records. Once your claim is filed, these records will be used to help determine the amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries and the defendant’s insurance company will want to review those records.

3. Request Property Owner Preserve Evidence – Make sure to request as soon as you can, in writing if possible and at the time of your fall if possible, that the property owner document the date, time and place of your fall and the names and addresses of any witnesses. Also request that they retain any and all video surveillance of the area of your fall showing what made you fall and how the danger that made you fall got there and how long it had been there prior to your fall.

4. Notify the Property Owner – If your slip and fall accident occurred on someone else’s property, it is important to notify the owner or manager of that property as soon as possible so they can make a record of the incident and possibly attempt to fix the hazard that caused your injury so nobody else gets hurt.

5. Preserve Evidence – Don’t discard any clothing or items involved in the accident because they may contain evidence that could help prove liability in court. Also, document anything unusual about the conditions of the area where you were injured such as spills or broken stairs.

6. Speak With Witnesses – Witnesses at an accident scene are invaluable when it comes to proving fault in court. Make sure to get their contact information in case you need to speak with them later on.

7. Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney – It is always best to consult an experienced Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer before filing a claim or taking any legal action against the property owner and their insurance carrier. A slip and fall personal injury attorney will be able to review your case and advise you of your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

8. Understand the Statute of Limitations – Each state has its own statute of limitations governing how long after an injury you have to file a claim. Make sure that you are aware of this time period because if you miss it, your right to seek compensation could be lost forever. In Indiana, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a slip and fall claim in most cases, excluding those involving governmental entities.

9. Gather Financial Documents – Make sure to have all medical records, medical bills and other financial documents related to your accident claim on hand before filing a claim with an insurance company or going to court. This will help you prove the amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

10. Negotiate a Settlement – If the property owner’s insurance company offers you a settlement, make sure to get legal advice from your slip and fall attorney before accepting it as it may not be sufficient enough to cover all of your damages. Your attorney can help negotiate a more favorable settlement if necessary and can advise you on what the ramifications of a settlement would be.

Conclusion

These 10 tips should give you an idea of what is involved in filing a slip and fall accident claim. Remember that it is important to act quickly after an accident and seek legal advice from a qualified slip and fall attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Having this information clearly documented will make it easier for both your lawyer and the court and jury to understand the full extent of your damages. This type of evidence can also be used to help prove the damage amount in court or during settlement negotiations. Keeping track of all related expenses such as medical bills and lost wages will also be beneficial for your case.

Are you ready to learn more about your rights and eligibility as a personal injury victim or defendant? Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-fee personal injury consultation with a trusted and professional slip and fall lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state, even if you are an Indiana resident who was injured in another state, or an out-of-town visitor injured in Indiana.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Slip and Fall Injury Claim

Posted on February 1, 2023 by admin

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious damage, both physical and financial. If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation through a slip and fall injury claim. But how do you get the most out of your claim? It all starts with knowing what steps to take after an accident happens. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of filing a slip and fall lawsuit, how to find a qualified slip and fall lawyer, common mistakes people make during their claims process, tips for negotiating with insurance companies, and more.

Read on to learn more about getting the most out of your slip and fall injury claim!

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Slip and Fall Attorney in Indianapolis.

The 101 on Slip Trip and Fall Accident Claims

Documentation

The first step in filing a slip and fall claim is to document everything you can remember about the accident. Take pictures of the scene and what caused you to fall, make sure an incident report is filled out by the business or property owner, if you have a receipt proving you were on the property at a specific time and place hold onto the receipt, ask the business or property owner to retain all video evidence from the day of your fall, collect witness names, addresses, phone numbers and statements if possible, and make sure to keep track of all medical bills associated with your injury.

Once you have gathered all of this information, it’s time to find a qualified personal injury slip and fall lawyer to represent you. If you don’t have all the information it is okay. Your attorney will help to obtain the information. Your personal injury attorney should be experienced in handling slip, trip, and fall cases, and they should be willing to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf or take the case to trial if a full and fair settlement cannot be reached.

Negotiations

When negotiating with the insurance company, it’s important to remember that they will likely try to minimize their payout as much as possible. This is why having a qualified slip and fall injury attorney is so important—they can help you understand the legal process and represent your interests throughout the negotiations. Your lawyer will also provide evidence supporting your claims so that you can have a strong case for receiving compensation.

Security

The first thing you should do is consult with an experienced Indiana slip and fall lawyer for your slip, trip, and fall injury claim as soon as you can. Evidence can be lost or not preserved if you do not move quickly. Secondly, it is important to have your own attorney representing your interests as the defendant’s insurance carrier will have an attorney representing their insured’s interests.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can ensure that your slip and fall claim is handled properly and that you get the most out of it. Calling and speaking with an experienced slip and fall attorney is always a good idea.

Are you prepared to uncover more about your right to acquire reimbursement for the recent slipping, tripping, or falling accident that occurred in Indiana? For a free, no-obligation consultation with an Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer, call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek, P.C today at 317-881-2700. Our knowledgeable legal team is ready to take on your case!

Can I Sue a Business if Injured After Slipping on Snow and Ice?

Posted on November 22, 2022 by admin

Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately all too common during the winter months. If you slip and fall on snow or ice at a retail store in Indiana, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse. The good news is that under Indiana law, retail stores do have a duty to keep their premises safe for customers. This means that if you slip and fall on snow or ice at a retail store in Indiana, you may have grounds to sue the store for premises liability.

Continue below to learn how slip, trip, and fall accident lawsuits work when caused by snow and ice, plus which Indiana law firm to trust for seasoned premises liability representation.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Certified Indiana Premises Liability Attorney

Premises Liability Law in Indiana

Slip and fall accidents can occur any time of year – including in the winter when surfaces are wet, icy, and slushy. Premises liability law is the legal doctrine that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property. This includes slip and fall accidents, which can be caused by a number of different hazards, such as ice, snow, or slippery surfaces.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

There are three main categories of premises liability cases: trip and falls, slip and falls, and stairway falls. Trip and fall cases are the most common, followed by slip and falls. Stairway falls make up the smallest percentage of premises liability cases. Most premises liability cases involve negligent property owners or occupiers. This means that the property owner or occupier did not take reasonable care to find and fix the hazard that caused the accident. In some cases, the property owner or occupier may have known about the hazard but did nothing to fix it. Moreover, a property owner can be held liable if they failed to conduct reasonable inspections as well.

Filing a Premises Liability Claim After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner or occupier. To do this, you will need to prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent in some way. You will also need to show that your accident was caused by the property owner or occupier’s negligence. If you are successful in your claim, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the property owner or occupier for their negligence. Once you obtain a verdict or settlement against the property owner or occupier, you can collect that money from their insurance carrier.

How to Protect Yourself as a Slip and Fall Victim

If you slip and fall at a retail store in Indiana, be sure to take pictures of the scene, ask the property owner or occupier to keep video of the fall and the 3 hours before the fall and 3 hours after the fall and get the contact information of any witnesses. Then, consult with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. With the right legal help, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and hold the store accountable for its negligence under Premises Liability Law.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today to discuss your case. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced premises liability lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all throughout the state and Indiana and residents of other states injured in Indiana.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Am Injured on Public Stairs Without Railing?

Posted on December 20, 2021 by admin

Fall accidents on public stairwells occur more than you think. According to a recent study published by the National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that 1 million victims suffer injuries each year in the United States because of defective or negligently-maintained staircases. Such accidents take place on stairs in public spaces, multi-housing complexes, commercial buildings, and more.

If you are a recent stairwell accident victim that was injured due to a missing or defective handrailing, continue reading to learn what you need to know about your rights to pursing legal action against the responsible party and what types of damages you might recover.

Stairwell Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Stairwell Building Codes for Indiana

Each state has their own set of building codes and ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) requirements. Public spaces, businesses, and commercial buildings are mandated by law to adhere to all building and construction standards listed in such codes, and at all times.

Here in Indiana, there is a specific set of regulations for interior and exterior public stairwells that have more than 2 risers. These regulations and building codes are highly complex and comprehensive, so here are some primary points:

► Maximum Height of Each Riser – 8 ¼ Inches
► Minimum Height of Each Riser – 4 Inches
► Minimum Length of Each Step – 9 Inches

*All stair tread must be even and uniform.
*Maximum riser must not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8^th inch

Handrails have their own set of building codes and standards. For Indiana, stair railing must adhere to several requirements, such as:

▷ Railing cannot have any gaps and must be continuous.
▷ Handrails are mandated by law for stairwells with more than 3 risers.
▷ Rails must be a minimum of 34 inches and maximum of 38 inches from the tread.
▷ At least 1 ½ inches of space is required between the wall and the handrail.
▷ Railing must be free of sharp edges or corners.

Suing for Injuries Caused By Defective Stairwell Handrails

If you were seriously injured on public stairs because they were not up to code according to Indiana law, you are entitled to pursing compensation for your damages and losses through a slip and fall accident claim or premises liability lawsuit. Consult with a licensed Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, before all evidence is lost to support your claim, or time runs out on your case.

You may be able to recover a settlement or verdict for damages like hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and similar costs and losses. Just be sure to choose the right Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your case. They will be your best chance at recovering the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as a victim of an Indiana stairwell accident.

Not sure how to get started with a personal injury premises liability claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis civil litigator regarding your stairwell slip and fall accident. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Facts About Premise Liability Policy For Small Business Owners

Posted on July 23, 2021 by admin

Slip and fall injuries can and do happen on the premises owned or controlled by business owners, small and big alike. All businesses should have general liability insurance and premise liability insurance for a commercial property and their business in general. Small and big employers and their employees are sometimes “negligent”, which basically means failing to use due care. If a business is negligent, they can and should be held liable for resulting injuries and damages to their patrons. If a business is found to be negligent by a judge or jury, their insurance carrier will pay for any verdict against the company.

Continue reading to learn about premise liability policy protection and who to call for pertinent advice and information about this topic and more.

Indianapolis IN Slip and Fall Lawyer 317-881-2700

General Liability Insurance for Small Businesses

Not only is it important to retain this kind of insurance, it is also important to obtain the right amount of coverage. Having enough coverage is necessary for proper protection for the business and to provide for full compensation for a patron injured as a result of negligence. An experienced insurance agent can provide accurate assessments for a business’s particular policy coverage needs although in general, the more coverage you have the better.

For such insurance policies, a business pays a monthly or quarterly premium for their insurance coverage. This premium promises an insurance defense attorney to fight their case, as well as a money reserve to cover any court-ordered retributions or remunerations awarded against them by a verdict or for funds to use to obtain a settlement. This is another reason supporting the importance of having enough liability coverage.

Premise Care and Maintenance

Businesses have a legal obligation to provide a safe premise for anyone invited or welcomed onto their property. It is important to properly inspect, maintain and care for their property, inside and out, so people are not injured. This means proper inspections, floor cleaning, repair, and maintenance, as well as routine snow shoveling and salting, pathway clearing, concrete repair, and much more. It would also includes reviewing and ensuring that the property meets all safety rules, codes and ordinances.

It is also their duty and legal obligation to supervise employees and staff within their business as businesses can only act through their owners, officers, agents and employees. If any of these persons were negligent and contributed to causing a person’s injuries, the business itself is held responsible under Indiana law. Thus, it is important to make sure all employees are fully aware of the importance of premises safety for any business.

Hire an Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer if You are Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident

If you were recently injured in a slip and fall accident, contact a licensed Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer for professional legal advice and information. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages and losses.

Were you seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in Indiana? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis Indiana slip and fall lawyer, today at 317-881-2700. We are happy to discuss your case over the phone, via Zoom, at your home or in person at our office. We represent injured victims throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Important Injury Lawsuit Information for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
What Causes the Most Slip and Fall Accidents?
What Physical Evidence Should I Keep for a Slip and Fall Claim?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

What You Need to Know if You Were Injured on Stairs Without Handrails

Posted on February 2, 2021 by admin

Falls down stairs happen. If a person is seriously injured on a staircase that was not properly equipped with handrails, you can pursue a personal injury claim. If this has happened to you or someone you love within the last two years, you may still have time to pursue legal action against the negligent party that caused your staircase accident.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about determining your case’s viability, your rights to compensation, and how to get started on your accident claim.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Indiana Slip and Fall Attorneys 317-881-2700

Missing or Broken Handrails Make Stairways Unsafe

According to a publication on Pubweb.com, more than a million United States citizens fall victim to stairwell injuries each year. With such alarming numbers of staircase fall accidents, you would think that more security and safety precautions would be taken for public staircases and stairwells. But unfortunately, these types of accidents are still happening year after year, and at shocking rates. For innocent victims of staircase falls and injuries, there should be simply no tolerance for this type of negligence.

If you fell down a flight of stairs because of broken, defective, or missing handrails, you deserve to be compensated for your subsequent damages and losses. Your injuries have likely caused you to incur a long list of financial losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, and even fuel costs for driving to and from treatment or rehabilitation. Then there are non-economic damages that many slip and fall victims experience, like pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of future work abilities, permanent disfigurement, disability, and more.

Stairwell Building Codes for Indiana

There are specific building codes that all public and commercial properties must adhere to at all times. Although these building codes vary from state to state, most are congruent across the board on the most basic requirements for stairways. Staircases are required to meet certain measurement criteria, such as landing clearance, riser height, handrail heights, handrail sides, number of handrails, and more.

For instance, here in Indiana, the maximum riser height must be 8 ¼ inches, and the highest riser cannot be bigger than the smallest riser by more than 3/8^th of an inch. In Indiana, handrails cannot project more than 4 ½ inches on either side of the stairway, and at minimum, must have a clear width of at least 31 ½ inches from the handrail height to the steps if on just one side, and 27 inches for handrails on both sides. Additional criteria set regulations for treads, the width of steps (runs), handrail grips, and more.

As you can see, there are several specific building code criteria for public stairways and handrails that are pertinent to your staircase fall case. You have two years from the time of your accident to make a claim for compensation against the negligent party who was responsible for the defective or missing handrails.

If you slipped and fell down a stairway as a result of another type of negligence of defective, such as poor lighting, crumbling materials, unlevel steps, or improper snow and ice management, you may also have a case. Contact an Indiana slip and fall attorney right away to learn your rights to pursuing legal action against any company that has caused you to lose so much as a result of your personal injury accident.

Get Help With Your Slip and Fall Claim From Our Experienced Indiana Injury Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer about your recent stairway slip and fall accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their seasoned accident lawyers offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless they win your settlement. Call our office today at 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney who cares. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

The Key Liability Questions in Slip and Fall Lawsuit

Posted on December 8, 2020 by admin

Accidents happen, as we all have come to learn. But when they happen on someone else’s property due to negligence, the principle of legal liability must come into play. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premise liability lawsuits in Indiana, and they typically result in several different types of damages suffered by the injured victim, including hospital bills, medical expenses, time missed at work, prolonged physical therapy, pain and suffering, and more.

If you were injured on another’s property, whether a commercial place or a home, you could be entitled to certain compensation if you were not at fault for the accident and the property owner or possessor of the property was. There are some key liability questions to ask in a slip and fall lawsuit that can help you determine the path of your case.

Indiana Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip and Fall Liability Facts

When it comes to a slip and fall case, it is the claimant that has the burden of proving that the property owner or possessor was negligent, and that their negligence was one of the responsible causes of the accident and subsequent injuries they’ve suffered. In order for it to be proven that a property owner or possessor is legally responsible for a victim’s slip and fall accident, liability has to be established.

The two primary questions that must be answered to accomplish this are:

► Which parties involved in the case are potentially liable? There can be several parties involved in one personal injury case, all of which could be potentially liable. Possible examples of liable parties in a slip and fall lawsuit include property owners, proprietors, managers, store owners, maintenance contractors, property managers, etc…

► Were the parties indeed negligent or careless? After identifying which parties involved in a slip and fall case could be potentially liable, consider whether or not they actually acted, or failed to act, in a way that caused the accident. For instance, a store owner failing to clean up a broken pickle jar within a reasonable amount of time. Property owners and/or possessors have a duty to exercise reasonable care for persons invited onto the property. It is important to hire a personal injury attorney right away, as surveillance video evidence regarding the fall and when the last inspection of the area of the fall occurred are extremely important in a slip and fall case.

Proving Your Slip and Fall Case

As an injured victim who has suffered damages as a result of a slip and fall accident in Indiana, you need a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer to fight for your right to full and fair compensation. They have the knowledge and resources to document an impactful case proving your damages, as well as your use of reasonable care regarding the accident. You see, property owners and their insurance carriers will try to argue that it was the victim’s fault they slipped and fell on their property. Such arguments will need to be refuted by your attorney.

Your Trusted Indiana Slip and Fall Lawyers

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney who specializes in Indiana slip and fall claims. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are equipped to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being seriously injured at a store or on another’s property. Recover for damages and losses, including medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. We represent injured victims all throughout the State of Indiana, so get started with a free consultation, today.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Posted on November 10, 2020 by admin

Slip and fall accidents that happen on a business’s premises can cause serious injuries, which can result in serious lawsuits. There are plenty of precautions business owners can and should take to drastically reduce the likelihood of slip and fall and other fall accidents. Continue reading to learn more about a property owner’s duty of care to maintain a safe premises as a property owner.

Indiana Slip and Fall Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

A Business’s Legal Duty of Care

In all states, property owners, including businesses, have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe and free of foreseeable hazards, for both guests and staff. This is referred to as a duty of care, and it is the law. Any store or commercial space that invites people in or onto their property is required to fulfill this legal duty, including retail stores, business centers, offices, service providers, hotels, restaurants, markets, and more.

Business owners are expected to use a high level of caution to make sure their property is safe for all. Such responsibilities include making repairs as needed, making updates and renovations as needed, implementing routine inspections, staying up to code on all systems, implementing routine cleaning and maintenance, and post warnings in trouble areas.

When a business neglects or fails to uphold their duty of care, whether through action or inaction, they can be held liable for any resulting damages and losses suffered by the accident victim. Such damages include medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. If a property owner knows of or should have known of a hazard that causes a victim harm, the property or business owner can be found at-fault and responsible for compensating for the injured person’s damages.

Slip and Fall Accidents and Lawsuits

Among store-related personal injuries, slip, trip, and fall accidents are one of the most common. Fortunately, slip and fall accidents can and should be easily prevented by implementing some vital deterrents, and by staying vigilant at all times. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses fail to stay vigilant and people get hurt. Property and business owners should maintain full insurance coverage under a general liability policy, as well as, stay current on all repairs, inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and posted warning signs.

General Liability Insurance for Businesses

As a business owner, it is wise to acquire a comprehensive general liability policy through a trusted insurance provider. These policies typically come standard with coverage for a defense attorney in the case that you are sued for a slip and fall accident, as well as a fund to pay for any settlement for an accident victim.

Common Causes of Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Here are the most common reasons why slip and fall accidents happen on commercial properties and businesses:

► Exposed Cords, Wires, Ropes, and Similar Obstructions
► Crumbling or Unleveled Curbs and Stairs
► Ripped, Peeling, or Bunched Carpeting
► Loose, Sliding Rugs
► Insufficient Lighting in Stairwells
► Insufficient Lighting in Entry and Exits
► Leaks, Liquids, and Spills on Ground or Floors
► Negligent Snow and Ice Removal/Maintenance
► Insufficient Cleaning and Maintenance
► Unleveled Walkways and Flooring
► Improperly or Negligently Placed Furniture
► Insufficient or non-existent inspections for these issues

Who to Call for Advice About Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Indiana

If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident in Indiana due to a negligent store or business, call the Law Firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 as soon as possible to learn your rights to pursuing legal action. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive litigation and trial experience, and are well-versed in premises liability law. We have successfully represented numerous slip and fall and other fall accident victims in Indiana. Our personal injury law firm also offers free initial consultations, free parking, 24 hour phone services, Spanish speaking staffs, and much more. Best of all, we never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. Start today and schedule a free case evaluation.

How to Recover Damages From Your Wet Floor Slip and Fall Compensation Claim

Posted on August 20, 2020 by admin

A wet floor sign plays a vital role in the safety of both patrons and staff within a business. However, more needs to be done to protect others from slip and fall accidents. When such warnings and actions are not applied properly for this purpose, the property owner or proprietor can be held legally liable for any victim’s damages and losses that result from their injuries. If you were recently injured on a commercial property in a wet floor slip and fall accident, your next step is to retain skilled personal injury representation so that you can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Continue reading to learn more about Indiana slip and fall accidents, including how to maximize your compensation and where to get started on your claim.

Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers 317-881-2700

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Losing one’s balance as a result of a wet floor can result in slipping and falling. When this happens as a result of a store or business owner’s negligence, the victim is likely entitled to economical reimbursement for their damages and losses. Damages and losses include out-of-pocket expenses accrued as a result of their injuries, like hospital and medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and more. So, what does negligence look like in a wet floor slip and fall scenario? Well, there are many ways a business can be negligent. One of the most common mistakes or inactions made is not displaying proper signage and warnings on rainy days, snowy days, mopping days, spills, leaks, or when the floors are otherwise wet. If this happens, a business is not taking the proper precautions they are obligated to under Indiana duty of care and negligence laws.

A Business’s Duty of Care

Negligence can be defined in many ways, but there are two fundamental factors that make evident its basic concept; these two factors are “duty of care” and “breaching” the duty of care. Every person in the United States has a legal responsibility, or duty of care, to prevent or avoid causing harm to another person, whether intentional or accidental. Stores and businesses have this same legal responsibility, and if they fail to uphold that responsibility, thus directly causing another person to be injured or killed, they have breached their duty of care.

Advice for Making a Slip and Fall Claim in Indiana

If you or a loved one recently suffered serious injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident on another person’s property, you have the option of filing a slip and fall claim. During this filing process, evidence will be requested to prove that the owner of the property should have known, or did know, about the hazard that caused the accident to occur. To do this, hire an Indianapolis personal injury attorney that has experience in slip and fall lawsuits. They will provide comprehensive representation for all aspects of your slip and fall lawsuit. They can obtain compensation for damages related to your accident and injuries.

Contact Our Indianapolis Indiana Slip and Fall Lawyers Today

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get started on your slip and fall accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers have decades of experience working on slip and fall cases, and will use every resource in our firm’s power to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Best of all, we offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we win a settlement for you. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana. Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today.

How to Make a Slip and Fall Injury Claim in Indiana

Posted on February 19, 2019 by admin

The primary priorities to making any personal injury claim is to seek medical attention, gather and protect your evidence, hire an experienced personal injury attorney, and take the correct legal actions, all from the moments your accident occurs. When it comes to slip, trip, and fall claims, these priorities are no different.

Continue reading to learn how you should manage and navigate a slip and fall injury and accident claim in Indiana.

Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

The first few actions (or non-actions) made by a slip and fall victim can mean all the difference in terms of establishing fault and liability. It is important to take the right legal actions from the very moments a slip and fall accident takes place in order to protect your claim and ultimately win your settlement for compensation. Below, you will find some information and advice regarding what a slip and fall victim (or claimant representing a victim) should do to move forward with a personal injury claim.

► Immediately Report the Incident

The first step after slipping and falling on public or private property is to notify the owners or persons in charge. For commercial properties, such as retail stores or restaurants, ask for the highest ranking person on duty and report the accident. Just be brief by simply stating where you fell, which obstruction caused the fall (torn carpet, uneven floorboard, wire or cord, puddle, ice, poor lighting, etc.), and where you are hurting. For public grounds, like parks and city streets, notify the town or city the same day, both by phone call and written notification. If the injury is too severe, notify the city or town as soon as your health permits. This is especially important for accidents that take place without any witnesses.

IMPORTANT: If your slip and fall injuries are severe and require emergency medical attention, make this step the first priority. Once stable, you can move forward with the remainder of the accident claim process. You can also appoint a spouse, relative, or friend to help you report the incident and gather evidence.

► Ask for Witness Information

The next step in moving forward with a personal injury claim, which may need to be carried out by a trusted friend or family member depending on the severity of your injury, is to get all the contact information from anyone that may have witnessed the accident. Be sure to record their full names, phone numbers, and email addresses. If they are willing to give additional contact information, take that as well. Keep in mind that witness testimony plays a major role in winning a personal injury settlement.

► Gather Evidence

Your next step is to take and gather photos and video recordings. Again, this might have to be done by a friend or family member depending on the severity of your injuries. Photos and video (if possible) should be taken as soon as possible after the accident. All footage should be taken at multiple angles, and should capture the hazardous environment or obstruction, the condition of the victim, the victim’s injury and the condition of the injury in the days following the accident.

All these photos and videos must be done BEFORE any changes to the environment occur or any evidence is lost (i.e. melting snow or ice, missing lightbulb, puddle, spilled food, etc.). The more evidence you have, the stronger your chances are for obtaining a full and fair settlement to cover your damages. Ask whoever is in charge to retain any video surveillance of the fall and if you can do the request in writing, do so. Normally, you should request the person to retain any video surveillance for the entire day of your fall.

► Seek Medical Care

A person should seek medical treatment the same day, or as soon as they are experiencing pain or complications from the accident. Sometimes injuries are not present right away, and tend to show up days or weeks following the accident. This is common for neck and back injuries. Insurance companies will argue that a person wasn’t seriously injured enough to receive compensation if they didn’t require immediate professional medical care. Medical treatment is evidence that a slip and fall victim is injured and the doctor’s diagnosis and victim’s medical records are evidence for a case.

► Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Before talking to any insurance companies or adjusters, it is vital to hire a personal injury lawyer first. It is crucial to have an experienced slip and fall lawyer on your side during the entire personal injury claims process.

Indiana Slip and Fall Lawyers You Can Trust

Get started on your slip and fall claim by calling the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Although based out of Indy, our law firm represents victims throughout the state, as well as, out-of-state victims who are injured in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your claim, and never require any upfront lawyer fees. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation, today.