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If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Hattiesburg, you need legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of your case. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, our team of attorneys understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll a slip and fall injury can take. As your Slip and Fall Lawyer, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for recovery. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Steps to Take Right After a Slip and Fall Accident in Hattiesburg

Slip and fall accidents happen quickly and without warning. One moment you’re walking through a store, parking lot, or office building, and the next you’re on the ground in pain and confusion. What you do in the minutes, hours, and days following a slip and fall can have a major impact on your health and your ability to seek compensation. If you’re in Hattiesburg and you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury, there are key steps you should follow right away.

Make Your Safety the First Priority

Your health comes before anything else. If you’re injured, try not to move unless you’re certain it’s safe. Some injuries, like fractures or head trauma, can worsen if you move the wrong way. If you’re able, ask someone nearby to call for medical help. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Slip and fall injuries aren’t always immediately obvious. Conditions like concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage can take hours or even days to show serious symptoms. A prompt medical evaluation ensures you get the care you need and also creates documentation that could support your injury claim later on.

Report the Incident to the Property Owner or Manager

As soon as you’re safe and stable, the next step is to notify the property owner, manager, or whoever is in charge at the location. Whether you’re in a grocery store, apartment complex, or private business, reporting the incident creates an official record.

Ask for a copy of any accident report they complete, or at the very least, note the name and contact information of the person you spoke with. Don’t sign anything or make any detailed statements until you’ve had a chance to speak with a lawyer.

Document the Scene as Thoroughly as Possible

Evidence at a slip and fall scene can disappear quickly. Cleaning crews may mop up spills, lighting can be changed, or witnesses may leave. If you’re able, take photos or videos of the area where the fall occurred. Focus on the hazard that caused your fall—whether it’s a wet floor, torn carpet, uneven pavement, or some other danger. Capture the surroundings too, including any warning signs or lack thereof.

Also, take pictures of your injuries, any damage to clothing or belongings, and the footwear you were wearing. These small details can help establish the conditions and circumstances of the incident.

If anyone witnessed your fall, ask for their names and contact information. Eyewitness accounts can play a critical role in verifying your version of events.

Preserve Physical Evidence

Hold on to everything connected to the fall. That includes the clothes and shoes you were wearing, especially if they were damaged or stained. Keep receipts or documents that show where you were, such as parking stubs or purchase records. These items could serve as evidence if the property owner or insurer disputes your presence or actions at the time of the incident.

Also, keep all medical documents. Emergency room summaries, X-ray results, prescriptions, and follow-up care instructions provide a clear timeline of your injuries and the treatment required. These documents are essential when calculating damages and proving the extent of your injuries.

Avoid Discussing Fault or Accepting Blame

It’s natural to feel embarrassed after a fall, but try not to apologize or make statements like “I wasn’t watching where I was going.” These remarks can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when reporting the incident and avoid making guesses about what happened or who may be at fault.

Likewise, if the property owner or their insurance company contacts you, be cautious. You don’t have to give a recorded statement without legal guidance. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with a slip and fall lawyer.

Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Hattiesburg

Once you’ve received medical care and documented the incident, reach out to a personal injury lawyer who handles slip and fall cases in Hattiesburg. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we understand how these accidents can affect your health, work, and quality of life. Our team can review your case, identify liable parties, and help you take the proper legal steps to pursue compensation.

Mississippi law places the burden of proof on the injured party. That means you must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct it. A skilled lawyer can gather evidence, consult with experts, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.

Understand the Legal Time Limits

Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including slip and fall cases. If you don’t file within that time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly after an accident. The sooner you begin working with an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Don’t Downplay Your Injuries

Many people try to “tough it out” after a fall, especially if the pain isn’t severe right away. But ignoring symptoms or delaying treatment can not only hurt your health—it can hurt your case. Insurance companies often argue that a delay in medical care means the injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the fall.

Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Keep a record of how your injury affects your daily life, including missed work, mobility issues, or emotional stress. This information helps paint a full picture of how the fall has impacted you and strengthens your claim for damages.

Why Choose Brown, Bass & Jeter as Your Slip and Fall Lawyer in Hattiesburg

When you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury, securing the right legal support is crucial to ensuring a successful outcome. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we are committed to providing compassionate representation. Our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Hattiesburg will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice.