Ralph Hudgens, insurance commissioner, has announced that three arrest warrants went out against three men for participating in a south Georgia staged-accident ring. Germain Baynard, Demetrius Lee, and Ryan Law face charges related to the felony crime. Authorities are still searching for Keronda Bell, who they believe was the ring leader for the group that organized the slip and fall accidents. All the accidents took place at businesses in Colquitt, Brooks, and Thomas counties.
What Are Slip and Fall Accidents?
While the above accidents were fake, slip and fall accidents are very real and are one of the most common types of premises liability accidents. This term describes an accident when a person loses his or her footing and falls as a result of hazardous or dangerous conditions on another person’s or business’s property. These conditions could be snowy, wet, or icy conditions, or flooring that has hidden hazards or in poorly lit areas.
I Have Fallen! What Do I Do Now?
If you have fallen, one of the first things you need to do is see your doctor. Your injuries may be more severe than they appear, and some may not appear for a week or more. You should also consider talking to an experienced personal injury attorney to see if your claim entitles you to compensation.
After your fall, if you are able to, photograph or record the site and injuries as quickly as possible. Look for conditions around you that could have resulted in your fall. The owner may change those conditions, so you should record them as quickly as possible after the accident occurs.
Look for witnesses to the accident and ask them for their names and contact information. If anyone, such as an employee or supervisor, makes a comment suggesting such accidents have happened before, take a mental note of the comment and ask for that person’s name and contact information.
What You Should Not Do
There are certain things that you should not do after you receive injuries in a slip and fall accident. You should never make any statement, either written or verbal, that may imply that you were even partially at fault. You may be bound by these statements later on. If you do make a statement, be sure to get a copy of the statement for your own records.
When to Contact an Attorney
While some slip and fall accidents may be handled on your own, it is important that you contact an experienced slip and fall attorney to be certain you know what your rights are. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your case, find witnesses, and deal with the landowner or insurance agent. If necessary, your attorney will even prepare your case for court. A lawyer can make sure you do not miss any important deadlines, such as the statute of limitations.
The attorneys at Lankford & Moore Law will review your case and determine what option might be best for your particular case. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and begin the process of getting the compensation you need. You should never be financially responsible for someone else’s negligence.
