Seek Immediate Medical Attention 
The first step in protecting your claim is to ensure your health and safety. Even if you don’t feel serious pain or discomfort at the moment of the injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Injuries such as concussions, whiplash, or soft tissue damage may not immediately show symptoms, but can worsen over time. Getting checked by a healthcare professional ensures that your injuries are documented, which is vital when filing a claim.
In the case of slip and fall accidents or collisions with vehicles, it’s easy to assume that everything will be fine. However, failing to receive prompt medical care can negatively impact your health and your ability to claim compensation. A timely medical report from a doctor will serve as evidence that the injury occurred and help link the injury directly to the accident.
Report the Incident to Authorities
Once you’ve addressed your immediate health needs, it’s important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. If you were injured due to a hazardous condition on the property, such as a pothole or icy pavement, contacting the Cleveland police or stadium staff is necessary. Ensure that an incident report is filed. This documentation can provide an official record of the incident, which may be helpful later when proving negligence. In cases involving a vehicle collision, calling the police is essential. The police will create an accident report, which can be vital for your personal injury claim. Without a formal report, it can be difficult to prove how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
Dan Ryan
Attorney
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Paralegal
Our objectives remain clear in every case we pursue: To give every client, without delay, excuse or equivocation, our full attention, sound advice and forceful representation.
About Our FirmDocument the Scene of the Incident
Another crucial step is to gather as much evidence as possible. At the scene, take photos of the environment where the injury occurred. For instance, if you slipped on an icy sidewalk or tripped over an obstruction, pictures of the hazardous conditions can serve as key evidence. Make sure the photos capture the specific area where the incident took place, as this will help demonstrate that the property owner or city may be liable for the unsafe condition. Additionally, if there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness testimonies can play an important role in supporting your claim. Having someone vouch for what happened at the scene can provide additional credibility to your account.Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without Consulting a Lawyer
In the aftermath of an injury, insurance companies may attempt to contact you. While their goal is to settle the case quickly and avoid high payouts, they are not necessarily on your side. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims by getting injured parties to make statements that could reduce the compensation offered. Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it’s a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can advise you on what to say and help ensure that your statements are not used against you later on. In many cases, it’s best to have your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected.
The attorneys at Ryan Injury Lawyers treat you like family. They are extremely professional, kind, respectful and intelligently know the law. Highly recommend. They are well above par.
- Zora S.
Great service and very professional. They actually make themselves available when you call. I will be referring Ryan to all of my friends and colleagues.
- Lashawn H.