A slip-and-fall injury can happen suddenly, whether you are shopping in a store or conducting business in an office. According to Minnesota premise liability laws, business owners must do their best to keep their property safe for their clients and customers. When property owners neglect to maintain their areas, an injured customer may hold them responsible for damages.
Knowing what to do after a fall can lead to you receiving compensation for your injuries.
Notify the responsible party after a minor injury
If you slip or fall at a business and sustain minor injuries, you should inform the owner immediately. Additionally, take pictures of the scene and ask witnesses for statements. The documentation might be necessary for future lawsuits.
Seek immediate medical attention for severe injuries
When head or back injuries, broken bones or impalements result from a slip-and-fall accident, your priority is seeking medical attention. In these situations, calling for medical assistance may also bring law enforcement officers to the scene. The officers can collect evidence that you can use to seek damages.
Document the scene even when there are no apparent injuries
A slip-and-fall accident might not result in any obvious injuries. If you choose to walk away without informing the property owner, you should still take pictures of the scene. Otherwise, you may find it challenging to prove your case if injuries surface later. In Minnesota, injured parties have two years to file premise liability suits, so having a record of the fall is always a smart idea.
While informing property owners of slip-and-fall accidents is not required to file lawsuits, taking the time to notify them ensures they can remedy the problem before someone else becomes injured.
