I Have Back Pain After a Slip-and-Fall—Can I Sue?

So you fell down in the grocery store and have excruciating pain in your lower back. Scenarios differ, but let’s assume this is the predicament you find yourself in, or one like it. 

The first question to cross your mind is likely, well, I have back pain after a slip-and-fall—can I sue? Then, how long after an injury can you sue for compensation? A Milwaukee personal injury lawyer near you knows.

Time is of the essence, but in many cases, you’ll be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and perhaps pain and suffering. Slip-and-fall settlements in Wisconsin are not unusual even for more minor injuries.

Premises Liability

First, you’ll have to determine if the property owner was negligent in a way that led directly to your injuries. This is easier said than done, especially with larger organizations, since many companies have a team of lawyers ready to pounce on unsuspecting victims. 

Even so, facts are facts, so if you’ve got your slip-and-fall well documented, you just might have a case. However, resolving your case will require time and patience.

Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall

It’s unfortunate, but most people will get hurt by slipping, tripping, or falling at some point in their lifetime. It can happen anytime to anyone. Even worse, most of the time it’s not even the individual’s fault. Regardless, the actions you take immediately after your fall can spell the difference between success and failure in court.

First, never delay medical treatment. Defense lawyers love to claim your injuries were pre-existing and therefore release their client from any liability. See a doctor and document everything, then get contact information from potential witnesses and video footage from cameras that may have served as a silent witness to your fall.

Next, file a report. Report the slip-and-fall to a person in authority, whether that is a store manager, your landlord, or a friend. Write down details yourself, and ask the appropriate person who was supposed to be in charge of the situation to also provide a written report. Be sure to keep all documents in a safe place and make backups. 

Have a Lawyer Handle the Rest

Do not give a formal statement. You’ll probably be nervous, but don’t chat up the store manager or make comments to passersby, and probably most important, stay off social media. That means no pictures posted on Instagram and no comments on Facebook. Anything you say could be held against you later.

If you’re thinking about taking legal action, you’ll need an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer in Milwaukee on your side. Slip-and-fall accidents are notoriously hard to prove, but you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate and wonder if I have back pain after a slip-and-fall—can I sue? Call the Law Offices of Gary S. Greenberg at  414-271-7007, or fill out our online form. 

Proving negligence is difficult but not impossible. Let’s get the ball rolling and get you confidently standing on your own two feet again.