When you slip and fall, you might dust yourself off and get up and go about the rest of your day. You might think that the slip and fall was a minor incident. However, you can later discover that you're experiencing pain and that you don't understand where it's coming from. A slip and fall should never be taken lightly because you may find yourself with medical problems and a medical bill that should be paid for by the individual responsible.

Causes

There are many causes of a slip and fall accident. A property might not be adequately maintained and you might trip as a result. The floor might have been recently mopped and you've slipped on the wet surface. It might be icy outside and the walkway was not properly salted. Regardless of the situation, you'll want to record what happened so that you can determine who is responsible for your slip and fall.

The Extent of an Injury

A slip and fall might seem minor, but the injuries sustained from a slip and fall can be as just as bad as the injuries that are sustained from a car accident. You might experience pain in your neck, back and lower extremities. However, if you don't address the issue as soon as possible, evidence might be lost, and it may be more difficult to pursue legal action against the defendant. Also, if you did not see a doctor, the defendant might argue that your injuries must not have been very severe if you didn't see a doctor immediately. 

The Duty of the Property Owner

The owner of a premises is responsible for making sure that the premises is safe to use. If you slip and fall while on the premises and sustain an injury, you might have a case. You will need to demonstrate that the injury you suffered was the result of the property owner behaving in a negligent manner. This is typically only the case if you have been invited onto the property or have a license to enter onto the property, such as if you are a salesperson. 

If you believe that your injuries are the result of negligence, the first step is to receive medical treatment. But immediately afterward, you should speak with a slip and fall attorney. The sooner you begin the legal process, the easier it will be to uncover evidence that can support your case.