5 Steps When Dealing with a Slip and Fall Accident

Personal Injury Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents are nothing to laugh about, as someone who hits the ground hard may suffer painful injuries that require medical attention. If you or someone you care about has tripped, slipped and fallen, please do not take this incident lightly. A lawyer understands that you or your loved one may have faced financial loss because of the fall. We can help you seek compensation for the accident, particularly if another party was at-fault for what happened.

Here are five steps to consider after a slip and fall incident:

#1 Get Medical Attention Without Hesitation

Some people may be so embarrassed to have slipped and fallen, that they are not sure whether to tell anyone about it. It is important to your health to see a doctor if you have been hurt. These medical records can also be useful as evidence should you want to take legal action against the party responsible for the accident.  

#2 File a Report of the Accident

If the fall happened while at a store, company building, workplace, apartment, hotel or somewhere else, it is vital that you report it immediately to supervisory staff or a landlord. Request a copy of the accident report for your own records too.

#3 Document Everything You Can

Take pictures of the exact place where you got hurt, and anything near the area that could have led to your fall. For example, take pictures of shelves that are misplaced, strewn items on the floor, whether light fixtures above are not turned on, puddles, or anything else that could have contributed to your collapse.

A lawyer suggests writing down what you were doing in the moments prior to the accident, exactly how you fell down, date/time, and what you were wearing. You may want to set aside your clothing and shoes without being washed, as these could become pieces of evidence later on if you file a lawsuit. If anyone else was with you, take down their name and contact information. Your lawyer can reach out to these witnesses for an official statement of how they saw the slip and fall occur.

#4 Limit Communication and Sharing

After filing a report of the accident, refrain from answering additional questions until you have obtained legal representation. Do not post what happened to any social media platform, even if your page is set to “private”. You may receive calls from an insurance company about the accident. Despite these representatives seeming genuine and as if they are about your health, they may be looking for you to say something that minimizes your injuries.

#5 Consult with a Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents can get complicated very quickly, and may require knowledge from a lawyer who is familiar with such cases. A personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can meet with you at your earliest convenience to talk more about whether filing a lawsuit is the right decision based on the circumstances of the fall. Please call today so they can help you get the compensation you need to overcome setbacks.

Thanks to Wieand Law Firm for their insight into personal injury claims and dealing with a slip and fall accidents.