Slip and falls are one of the most common types of accidents in Houston and can result in serious injuries. These accidents are especially scary when they happen to your elderly parents. If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident, it is critical to understand what you should do so you can protect your rights and receive the compensation that you deserve.
Below is a list of seven things you should do if your elderly mother falls in a store in Houston, Texas.
Seek Medical Treatment
Your first priority should be to get your mother treated by a medical professional. She should get a medical evaluation even if experiencing minor or no symptoms. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, and minor symptoms can quickly turn into something more serious.
Receiving medical treatment is critical not only to your mother’s physical recovery but also to ensure that she gets the compensation that she deserves. If she waits to be seen by a doctor, it could be difficult to tie the injury back to the fall. You should take photographs or videos of her injury and keep copies of all medical records and bills. This documentation can become important evidence of the severity of your mother’s injuries and prove their timing.
Identify What Caused the Slip and Fall
Before you and your mother leave the store, you should try to identify what caused her to fall. For example, was her fall caused by water on the floor, uneven flooring, or a cluttered walkway?
Take Photos and Videos of the Scene of the Accident
Evidence relating to a slip and fall accident can disappear very quickly, so it is important to take photos and videos of the scene of the fall. These days, almost everyone has a smartphone, which makes it easy to take photos of the floor and surrounding areas. You should take pictures of everything, and your attorney can decide what is important later. These photos and recordings can become critical evidence in proving your case.
Document Your Mother’s Memories of the Accident
Memories fade quickly, especially for many older individuals. While your mother’s memory of the fall is still fresh, you should record everything she remembers about her fall. Write down every detail, even what seems small or insignificant.
Collect the Contact Information of Witnesses
You should collect the names and contact information (address, phone number, and email) of anyone who witnessed the fall. This information will allow your attorney to easily follow up with witnesses who can testify on your behalf and verify your mother’s version of events.
Report the Accident to a Store Manager
Immediately after the accident, you should report your mother’s fall to the store manager. Your mother should provide the vital information but should be extremely careful not to admit fault. You should request a copy of the store’s written report for your records and get the name and contact information of the manager or other supervisor that you reported the incident to.
Contact an Attorney
As soon as possible after your mother’s fall, you should contact a Houston slip and fall attorney. Under Texas law, your mother may be entitled to compensation, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. A qualified attorney will maximize her recovery and ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
A knowledgeable attorney will answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney will negotiate with the other party or insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, your attorney will take your case to court.
If you try to deal directly with the store or insurance company, they may take advantage of your inexperience and will try to twist your words and use them against you.
Your Houston Slip and Fall Accident Attorney
If your elderly mother was injured after falling in a store in Houston, call the Paxton Law Firm. We have represented injured persons involved in these types of accidents for nearly twenty years.
Let us review your case and advise you of your rights. The Paxton Law Firm believes in taking the stress of dealing with your legal battles and turning a negative situation into the best possible outcome lady justice allows. We offer free consultations, and you do not pay any legal fees until we recover for you.
