What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you slip and fall in a store or other business, you may not know whether or not you have a potential claim or lawsuit. Slip and fall accidents can be very costly, and if the fall was caused by another person or business, a premises liability lawsuit may be the only way you can recover medical expenses, lost wages, or money to compensate for pain and suffering. There are a few easy but important points to keep in mind in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall that will go a long way towards proving the property owner was at fault.

Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident Occurs

What you do in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident, both at the scene and shortly after you have received medical attention, can have a significant impact on an insurance claim or lawsuit. Below is a checklist to help you understand the steps you should take after a slip and fall accident:

Seek Medical Treatment

While many slip and fall accidents are relatively minor, it is not uncommon to suffer broken bones, head trauma or internal injuries. It is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a fall. A doctor will ease your mind that you are out of serious danger or will diagnose your injuries and provide the necessary treatment. There are some conditions that take longer to manifest, but if you have a broken arm, cuts, bruises or some other type of wound that was caused by the slip and fall, it is important to document when and how the injury happened while the incident is still fresh.

Report the Accident

Regardless of whether the slip, trip, and fall accident happened in a store, on a sidewalk, or at a friend’s house, be sure to report it to the owner, manager or landlord. It is important that you get the details of the incident in writing. Ask the owner, manager or landlord to make a written report and request a copy before you leave.

Document Everything

Collect the names, phone numbers and addresses for all potential witnesses. Their statements could help prove your claim if you decide to pursue a legal action. It is also crucial that you take pictures of the EXACT location where you fell and make sure to photograph any dangerous conditions that contributed to your accident, such as stairs, broken sidewalk or icy patches. Write down all the details you can remember, such as what you were doing right before the accident, the way you fell, as well as the exact time and date of the incident. Be sure to retain the shoes and clothing you were wearing during the accident as they may be relevant pieces of evidence later.

Decline to Give Statements

Remain calm and limit your communication with the property owner or manager. Do not post any details related to your accident on social media. Decline to give a statement to an insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Do not place blame and do not take any.

Call an Attorney

When considering legal action, the best person on your side is an experienced attorney. Since many slip, trip, and fall cases are complex and difficult to prove, you are best served by the resources of a successful law firm. Time limitations apply to any injury claim you might have, so for purposes of investigating a possible case and possibly preserving evidence, it’s best for you to contact us immediately after an accident.

At the Law Offices of Brent A. Duque, we maintain a staff of a highly professional, knowledgeable, aggressive and successful Premises Liability Attorneys who represent injured people through our offices all across Southern California. Contact us today at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away.