What should you do after a Slip and Fall?
Firstly, if you are here because you have suffered a slip and fall accident, we are sorry for the pain and stress you are dealing with and we hope we can help, whether by representing you or a loved one or by empowering you with information on the case process and legal proceedings of a slip and fall. Slip and Falls are a personal injury and mean property owners may be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises. Slip and Falls carry their own specific personal injury legal procedures. We have represented clients that have had to undergo surgeries and suffered greatly due to premises negligence. While the term “slip and fall” can sound simple, case by case circumstances and subsequent consequences can be catastrophic. Here we share 5 steps to take should you or a loved one find yourselves in the aftermath of a slip and fall.
1. Injured? Call 911 • If your body does not feel right and you are in pain, do not hesitate to call 911 and request medical attention. Per the CDC, slip and fall accidents are the most common cause for TBI or Traumatic Brain Injuries. Which are extremely serious and life threatening. Additionally, the most common slip and fall injury are hip fractures, which depending on the age can shorten life expectancy due to factors of necessary surgery and the loss of independence [95% of “hip fractures are caused by falling”, usually when the fall is sideways]. Other serious injuries include spinal cord injuries that can result in permanent damage. Due to the types of injuries mentioned above, as well as a multitude of other possible injuries due to slip and falls such as wounds, cuts and abrasions, it is best in the interest of your longterm health to receive medical attention.
2. Take Photos • If you are able, the next thing you should do if you have been involved in a slip and fall accident is take photos and videos of the place where the accident occurred. For example, if you tripped over faulty flooring be sure to take photos or videos of the area/the possible cracks/the uneven surfaces that caused your fall. If you are not able to do so if you were the one that fell, ask a family member or friend that is possibly with you to take photos and videos of the dangerous conditions and also of any visible injuries on your person immediately.
3. Request Manager/Incident Report • Request assistance and to speak with the person in charge of the premises to inform them of the accident, ex. If at a store, restaurant, gas station etc. request the Manager and then request an incident report. If they are not available for any reason still request an incident report of the fall from another employee. This will be one of the first documents of building your slip and fall case and a proper notation that an accident involving you occurred.
4. Obtain Statements From Witnesses • To have a solid foundation for your case it is helpful to ask for statements and contact information from any witnesses that saw your/or your loved one’s slip and fall. The more evidence you have that your slip and fall happened the stronger your case will be as further notated property recklessness and negligence can impact the damages awarded to you. If possible, request that the eye witnesses write an account of what they saw and sign their name, or ask to video them explaining what happened and request their contact information. The photos, videos, and statements taken will become a part of your case documentation. The reality is when accidents like this happen, the aftermath can be chaotic, especially if severe injuries have occurred. If you cannot obtain all of the aforementioned, you still have a case. However, that is why it is important to seek legal representation following an accident so our team can be on top of requesting evidence, such as video, from the premises, and also going to the premises day of to take photos of the area of the slip and fall if you were not able to do so.
5. Call Tricoli Law • Attorney Tricoli specializes in slip and fall accidents and has helped clients receive their just compensation for medical bills as well as for their pain and suffering. Having a lawyer on your side like Attorney Tricoli means help in navigating and dealing with insurance companies, of which he has extensive experience, obtaining evidence such as CCTV footage, submitting the appropriate paperwork and documents, and working hard for you and your just compensation, ensuring you are not lowballed.
