What To Do If Hurt In A Public Place: A Step-By-Step Guide
It is a fact of life that accidents can happen anytime and anywhere (I have fallen foul of numerous mishaps over time!). However, you must act quickly and correctly in order to protect your health and your legal rights. In my latest article, I will explore further.
Many types of accidents are just around the corner! Whether you trip on uneven pavement, slip on a wet floor, or get hurt due to poorly maintained facilities, each can wreak havoc on your day-to-day lifestyle habits.
In the following points, I will suggest a plan of action in the aftermath of an accident or injury to ensure you receive the best possible outcome (physically and financially).
Stay Calm & Assess The Situation
First of all, you need to remain calm and assess the overall situation. Being involved in any kind of accident in public can be a shocking experience, and many people will often ‘play it off’. However, you need to remain calm and determine the severity of the situation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Don’t Delay
Even though your injuries may seem minor, it is still a smart decision to seek medical attention for a professional checkup. It is easy to try to dismiss the accident (especially in public), but your health is the number one priority—call for an ambulance if it appears urgent, or instead visit the local hospital to get it checked over.
Gather Evidence: Document Everything
Your mind will be racing during an accident, so it can be hard to remember at the time, but it is essential to document everything to establish exactly what happened. This task involves writing down everything that you recall, taking photos of the site of the accident and the injuries, and obtaining valuable witness contact information (and even CCTV footage if available).
Report The Incident – Who To Notify & How
Notifying the relevant authority and emergency services, such as a store owner, transport authority, or local council, about the incident in question is crucial. This process is vital to raise awareness and prevent future accidents.
Identifying Who’s Responsible – Determining Liability
If you are striving for compensation, you must identify who is responsible. It will depend on the account but is often the entity responsible for maintaining the public space (which includes the local council or public walkways).
Consider Legal Action – Should You Make A Claim?
If it is evident that the accident was not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation to cover the damages – this can cover medical bills, lost wages, future loss of earnings, future care and also factor in the pain and suffering. Consult with personal injury lawyers to discover if you have a case for expert legal guidance regarding your situation.
Navigating The Claims Process – What To Expect
With the help of a personal injury lawyer, they can help guide you through the claims process and even negotiate different factors on your behalf (and even translate the often overly complex legal jargon!).
In many cases, the matter can be resolved without going to court, but sometimes, a settlement can not be agreed upon (and then it will be time to plan for court).
Overall
If you find yourself in the terrible situation of getting hurt in public, it can be a hugely shocking, upsetting and embarrassing experience. As such, you must know how to respond to the overall situation – ensuring your safety, determining who is at fault, and boosting your chances of receiving compensation to cover the damages. By following the steps in my latest guide, you can take the necessary steps to protect your rights and your health.
Thanks for reading my latest lifestyle article. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
