Accidents can happen at any time, regardless of where a person is. No matter how careful they are, a person can suffer an injury through no fault of their own. These injuries often come with long-term mental, physical, and emotional effects. When a person is injured in a public place, they should contact an attorney immediately for help. Why is this important?
Injuries That May Occur in a Public Place
Many people hire an attorney when injured in an accident caused by another driver. However, they don’t take this step when they are injured in public. Common injuries that occur in public places are often the owner’s fault. This owner might be a corporation, a government entity, or a private individual, and all have a duty of care for guests. If they are negligent in any way, they can be held liable for the injuries sustained.
A dog bite might occur in a public location, or a child might be injured on a playground. Slip and fall injuries occur in businesses nationwide every day, and a falling object might harm someone. A person might be injured in a public place in countless ways, and they need legal guidance to seek justice.
Steps to Take if Injured in a Public Place
Anyone who is injured in a public place should see a doctor immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, a person might need to be transported to the hospital in an ambulance. A trip to the ER or an urgent care facility is appropriate for less severe injuries. Upon seeing the doctor, request all medical records associated with the visit, including test results and the bill.
Every person should see a doctor even if they do not believe they were injured in the incident. Adrenaline rushes through the body in stressful situations. As it does, it may mask any pain or injuries. The doctor can provide a baseline examination for future use if injuries appear later.
Report the Incident to the Building Owner
The injured party or someone acting on their behalf should alert the building owner to the injuries. If the owner is unavailable, speak with the building manager. Many things can lead to an accident in a public setting, and alerting the owner or manager can also help prevent others from being injured.
Collect Evidence
Individuals who are injured in a public place should try to gather evidence. Ask for contact information from everyone at the accident site so they can be reached if needed. Contact law enforcement to file a report about the accident and record all conversations with witnesses, the other parties involved in the accident, law enforcement, and more.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the accident site and anything that might have contributed to the incident, if possible. The victim and others present should write their account of the incident as soon as possible. Memories fade, and details become fuzzy over time. Writing everything down makes it easier to recall the details in the future.
File a Formal Complaint
The injured party may choose to file a complaint against the business owner. Determine which agency is responsible for overseeing the accident site. Learn which forms are needed to file a complaint and ask for help filling them out. An experienced attorney will work with the injured party to complete all paperwork promptly.
Any injury is stressful. It brings about challenges that must be overcome. Victims should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure their rights are protected and they get compensation for the harm they have suffered. Everyone deserves fair treatment, and the attorney ensures they get this.
