A simple and common accident such as tripping or slipping on an unseen obstruction while walking does not always have such simple and common consequences.
A fall can lead to injury, and an injury can affect a person's normal way of life.
No one wants to lose their job or pay hefty medical bills because they lost their footing on uneven pavement.
But if this series of unlucky events happens to you, you should not think that you are helpless - Especially if your accident occurs in a public place, private company, or an area maintained by a governing body.
Those who run these places - from restaurants to offices to your neighborhood's sidewalks are responsible for keeping a sound and safe environment that will prevent its patrons and citizens from encountering accidents.
When a wet spot on the floor does not have a warning sign on it, or employee equipment is left in the middle of a public pathway, whoever is in charge is neglecting your safety.
And if these same hazards result in you falling, these same individuals are at fault and must be willing to compensate for any financial woes the fall may cause.
Know your rights.
If you do experience a fall in a public place, you may not know what kind of consequences it might incur until after you've left the scene of the accident.
So, even if you aren't aware of any immediate consequences, gather information in case you do find yourself in a compromising situation.
Take photographs of the obstruction that led to your fall and where you fell.
Take down information from people around you who witnessed the fall -they can be used later as witnesses to corroborate your story.
Evidence can make or break a compensation payout case, so it's important to gather as much of it as you can to make sure you get what you deserve.
If you do find that your fall does result in medical services or loss of work hours, most companies that help you seek compensation offer free consultation services by phone before any action is taken, helping you make sure if you really do have a legitimate case.
Understand that personal injury specialists are there to help you.
Many people who experience slip, trip and fall accidents for some reason are too embarrassed to pursue compensation from those who let the accident happen.
Don't allow yourself to be intimidated.
By pursuing such a case you bring the problem to the public's attention, potentially preventing others from suffering the same fall you suffered.
If you allow yourself to be intimidated, you are allowing yourself to be taken advantage of.