Ensure you have all the information ready before making a claim
When the unthinkable happens and you have a fall that causes an injury, be it at a private property or public space such as a shopping centre, it can be a stressful time. Apart from the actual pain and suffering you may be experiencing, additional strain can come from figuring out how to get proper compensation for an accident that was not your fault.
The experienced team here at Lian Hall is here to help you through this difficult and sometimes confusing period. Read on to learn about the steps to take for a slip and fall accident claim in Perth.
First things first – get professional medical attention
If you have just had an accident, the most important thing is your well-being. Be sure to immediately get a professional diagnosis and correct medical attention for any injuries.
A key step, however, is to keep hold of any medical records relating to your slip and fall claim here in Perth. This might include receipts, x-rays, medical certificates, or prescriptions. Keep a good record of all the expenses that you incur in getting treatment.
Next up – make sure the appropriate parties are informed
Before making slip and fall claims in Perth it is important that there is no argument over the fact that you have had the accident. This means letting the relevant party – i.e. the negligent venue or person or shop or store manager – know about the incident, regardless of whether it resulted in a light sprain or serious back injuries or broken bones. This usually means filling out ‘an incident report’.
Take photographs. Take photographs of what you slipped on or what you fell over. Photographs are absolutely invaluable in proving what happened. Take out your mobile phone, or get the person who is with you to take out their phone, and take as many pictures as you can of what caused your slip or fall.
Be sure to keep full records of any communication between you and the negligent party, as this correspondence may be needed at a later date.
Check you are eligible – consult a professional lawyer
In order to ensure a successful result from your slip, trip and fall claim in Perth, it’s essential you prove the injuries sustained were as a result of someone’s negligence.
The safest way to do this is to work with local experts like the experienced team here at Lian Hall, who specialise in personal injury law in WA, and can work with you and give you good advice on your chances of success.
When making a claim it is vital to prove that:
- The negligent party owed you a duty of care. This is based on the facts of your unique case.
- The party in question failed in their duty of care, by failing to keep visitors safe. This might mean leaving a spill, or forgetting a hazard sign, or allowing an unsafe structure such as an unpainted kerb or a hole or a broken lid or cover.
- You sustained a loss or injury due to this negligence. This could be a neck injury or a light sprain; anything that caused you suffering and resulted in pain and suffering and a loss of income or medical bills.
Keep an eye on the clock – are you within the time limits?
The last thing you want is to follow all the steps for a slip, trip and fall claim here in Perth only to miss the deadline. Public liability claims have a strict 3 year limitation, meaning any legal action must be taken within 3 years of the date of your accident.
Certain exceptional circumstances can qualify for an extension, but those are extremely rare so we recommend being on the safe side and contacting us as soon as possible to ensure a thorough and timely claim.
Stay organised – gather the evidence
Keep a record of everything! This might be the most important step, and it’s one you should follow from the day of your unfortunate accident.
Having all the evidence is absolutely vital to proving your slip and fall claim, and getting the maximum compensation that you deserve. Examples of worthwhile evidence to collect might be photographs of the location where it occurred, medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, witness statements, and a detailed written account.
Make the claim – submit a public liability claim
For someone who has never submitted a claim before, it can be a little overwhelming. This is where our friendly team can step in and ensure everything is in order, checking every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ crossed!
We can also help determine who to bring the case against; this is typically the negligent party (even when only partially to blame) and their insurance company.
Reach a successful settlement – receive your compensation
While the results of each slip and fall claim are different, we believe each victim deserves maximum compensation for their injuries.
The team here at Lian Hall have over 20 years of experience working with clients who have a slip trip and fall claim, and with a reputation as the best personal injury lawyers in Perth you can rest easy knowing your claim is in great hands. Contact us today for a free consultation.
