Business owners must keep their premises free of hazards to prevent dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, incidents occur more often than they should. If you were hurt due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to hold them financially liable. A personal injury attorney can help you build a strong claim; but, you must also take certain steps immediately after an accident to increase the chances of a favorable outcome. 

What to Do After Getting Hurt at a Business 

1. Document Everything

If possible, take photos before leaving the scene. It is essential to record the hazard that caused the accident before anyone alters or removes it. Write down the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses, so your personal injury attorney can reach out to them when building the case. Ask the business owner or manager on duty for a copy of the official accident report. They should have a procedure in place for documenting incidents. 

2. Visit a Doctor 

Even if you did not sustain life-threatening injuries, your first stop after leaving the premises should be to a health care facility. If it’s after regular business hours and you don’t think your condition warrants a trip to the emergency room, arrange to visit a doctor first thing in the morning. If you let more than a day or two pass before seeking medical care, the opposing party may argue that the accident did not cause the injuries or you are partially responsible for their severity by postponing treatment. 

3. Call a Lawyer 

Once your condition has stabilized, call a personal injury attorney. The sooner you start building the case, the quicker you may be able to recover compensation for all applicable damages. A seasoned lawyer will also prevent you from making critical mistakes early in the proceedings that could jeopardize the case later. For example, the business owner’s insurance provider will likely reach out shortly after the accident. If you give a recorded statement before reaching maximum medical improvement, it will limit the size of the settlement you ultimately recover. 

If you were hurt on commercial property, turn to a personal injury attorney at the Anderson Law Firm. The practice serves clients throughout East Texas and Southwest Arkansas. Led by attorney Darren Anderson, who has over two decades of experience, they help injured parties recover compensation for their losses. As a general practice firm, they also resolve cases that fall under family law, criminal defense, and business litigation. To get in touch with a compassionate personal injury attorney on their team, visit the website or call (903) 792-1229.