5 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common causes of personal injury throughout the U.S. A nasty fall caused by a slippery floor, foreign object, or an obstruction on the pavement can cause serious injuries. Every year, over 8 million emergency room visits are due to falls. Of those 8 million visits, slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million, or 12%, of the total falls.
What defines a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall accident can happen on any kind of property, whether it be private, commercial, or government-owned. Slip and fall accidents can lead to the filing of an injury claim against anyone who may have caused or contributed to the accident, such as the property owner or negligent worker. “Fall” accidents can be caused by a number of factors, such as when there is a foreign object in your walking path, a defect in the walking surface (such as a crack in a sidewalk), a hole in which your foot falls, or something wet or slippery on the surface of the floor or ground.
What type of compensation is provided for a slip and fall accident?
Compensation available after a slip and fall accident are the same as for any kind of personal injury claim. That means you could get monetary compensation for current and future medical expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering and anxiety related to your injuries as a result of the accident, and temporary and permanent disability.
Five steps to take after an accident
If you are the victim of a slip and fall accident there are five steps you should follow to ensure that your well-being is preserved.
1. Seek Medical Treatment for your Slip and Fall Injury – Even if you do not experience immediate pain or suffering after an accident, it is crucial for you to seek medical treatment and documentation. Your health and well-being is priority. If you do experience an immediate injury such as a broken bone, it is important to see a doctor so that your injuries can be properly documented. Medical records will act as evidence in assembling your case should you seek compensation for injuries.
2. Report the accident – No matter where your accident occurs it is vital that you report the incident as soon as you can. Whether it is in a store, a friend’s house, or at work, make sure you report the slip and fall to the manager, owner or Human Resources department. Have the details of the accident in writing and be sure to ask for a copy of the report.
3. Document Everything – If you are able, collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of all potential witnesses to your accident. This includes coworkers, fellow shoppers and friends and family. Take pictures of the location where you fell and anything that may have contributed to your accident as soon as you can (this is assuming your injury is not life-threatening, or in dire need of emergency medical attention). Any details of your slip and fall should be written down as soon as possible to ensure that key aspects of the incident are not forgotten down the line. You may also want to place the clothing you were wearing when the accident occurred in a safe storage place as they may be relevant to showcase that they were not part of the cause of the incident.
4. Decline to Give Statements and Limit Communication – As frustrating as it can be, it is vital that you do not post or release any details related to the slip and fall accident on social media channels. It is imperative that you remain calm and limit your communication with the property owner or manager of the location where your incident occurred. Any communication with them should be documented for later use in the case. If you are asked to give a statement to an insurance company, wait until you have spoken to a personal injury attorney. Do not place blame and do not assume any blame when you are discussing the accident as it could be used against you in court.
5. Call an attorney – An experienced slip and fall lawyer knows all the different aspects of personal injury law and can help you be certain that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
If you have been injured as the result of a slip and fall accident and need help with the next steps to protect your right to pursue a claim, the attorneys at Avera & Smith are here to listen. Give us a call, or schedule a free consultation.