When An Elderly Parent Has Fallen On A Store's Floor: Your Next Moves
Discovering that your aging parent fell down on the slick floor in a store is worrisome. Elderly people can sometimes suffer more serious injuries when they fall, and dealing with medical bills and other costs can take a toll. You might help your parent begin some kind of legal action against the store; these actions can get you through the process.
Take Pictures
Your parent probably saw their doctor immediately following the fall. They have likely arranged a plan of care for you to follow after examining your parent. However, they may or may not have snapped some photos of any injuries. Actual pictures that display the results of your parent's fall can be effective when they're shown to a judge or a jury. Therefore, remember to take at least one or two pictures
Don't Wait
Your concern about the welfare of your elderly parent may keep you from contacting a lawyer or filing any claims until they have had the chance to fully recover and feel up to it. Unfortunately, time limits can mean that you miss a chance to begin the legal process. Contact a lawyer now or consult local courts to see how quickly action must happen.
Collect Their Thoughts
If your parent didn't have any chance to discuss the fall with police and file a formal municipal police report, ask them to do that now. It's vital to have some record of their recollection of everything that happened. As your parent tells their tale, details might start to emerge. They may confess that they were in an "employee-only" area to use the restroom, for instance. This information will make it easier for their attorney to know all the facts and defend your parent appropriately.
Avoid Contact
The store may hope to speak with your parent about a settlement or to ask them questions. However, your parent's lawyer should always know and be present when these conversations happen. Avoid any contact otherwise.
Watch for Isolation
Even as you attempt to move forward with their case, you may observe that your parent is less eager to go outside the house or get back into stores and other public places. They could feel embarrassment over what happened or feel afraid that it will happen again. Do your best to encourage outings as they're physical able to do so. You might consider assistance from a therapist.
Your support to your parent after their fall is invaluable. Discuss their case with their slip-and-fall lawyer every few weeks until the situation has been successfully handled.