How long do I have to report my slip and fall accident?

If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident on someone’s property or at a business, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if the owner’s negligence caused you to fall. There is no set deadline to report your accident to the property or business owner in Virginia.

However, you should file your accident report as soon as possible after your slip and fall accident. Taking this important step will strengthen your case and help you obtain the maximum recovery in your settlement.

How Filing an Accident Report Helps Your Claim

You should file an accident report even if you do not believe you suffered any injuries or think your injuries were minor. Here are four ways filing a report will make your claim for compensation stronger:

1. It puts the property or business owner on notice that you suffered apparent or possible injuries in a slip and fall accident on their property.
2. Filing a report can help you avoid disputes with their insurance company about whether or not your slip and fall accident occurred.
3. You provide the owner with your contact information and can obtain the contact information for their insurance company, which you will need to file your claim.
4. The accident report will provide details of how your fall happened while they are still fresh in your mind.

You should obtain a copy of the accident report for your records. If the owner will not or cannot provide you with a copy, take a picture of the report with your cell phone camera. You should write up a statement with all the important details of your fall if the property or business owner does not have a form for you to complete.

What Happens If I Did Not File an Accident Report?

If you did not file an accident report because you didn’t know that you needed to, this does not mean that you cannot file a claim with the negligent owner’s insurance company. However, you need to be prepared for disputes with the insurance company about how you were injured and their liability to pay you.

Were you or a family member injured in a slip and fall accident in Virginia Beach and Norfolk? Call our Norfolk office to schedule a free consultation with our experienced premises liability lawyers to learn how we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.