Slip and fall accidents account for over a million visits to the hospital emergency room every year so you may wonder what steps to take after a slip and fall accident.
It is likely that you or someone you know may experience something like this during your lifetime. Or perhaps, you already have, and that is precisely what brings you here today.
Either, way, this article outlines six important steps you need to take when facing a situation like this. We cover everything from reporting the incident to the manager to finding the right slip and fall lawyer.
Let’s start at the very beginning, with what is likely the most important step you must take after any type of accident.
Step 1: Getting the Right Medical Treatment
After a slip and fall accident that inflicts any kind of moderate to severe injury, it is important to get in touch with an ambulance immediately. While you are awaiting the ambulance, make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident is moved to a safe and comfortable place.
During this time practicing first aid can help prevent the wounds from exacerbating. However, do remember not to interfere with the injuries too much to prevent any unintentional damage. It is best to leave anything that goes beyond first-aid to the paramedics.
Step 2: Report the Incident
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere at any given time. Whenever possible, make sure to get in touch with the person-in-charge or their agents to make a report of the incident that occurred.
You are well within your rights to request the manager or the landlord to write down a written report of the incident. It is also advisable to create a copy of the report for your own reference.
Make sure that important details such as the date, time, type of accident, and the location are mentioned. Do not make any statements within the report. Rather, it is important that the information within the report is purely factual and based on undisputed information that does not indicate blame on your part.
Step 3: Collect Photographic and Video Evidence
Next, it’s time to take as many photographs of the area in which the accident occurred. Be sure to cover all angles as this might be necessary to prove that the accident occurred in the way you describe.
Additionally, other visual evidence like videos can also be beneficial. If you notice any hazards that caused your accident or any evidence of negligence on the part of the manager, do be sure to photograph this as well.
Document all of your injuries and the injuries of anyone else involved in the slip and fall accident. If there is blood involved, it is important that you get visual evidence of that as well.
You can also ask the owners to state whether or not they have access to CCTV footage or any other records of video surveillance.
Step 4: Talk to Witnesses
If there were people who witnessed the accident or any passerby who may have noticed something, do talk to them to get their perspective on the accident. If you do not have time to talk to them at the time (or even if you do), be sure to note down their contact information.
They could be called on as witnesses for your slip and fall case.
Also, keep in mind that a witness need not be someone who observed the accident happen in real-time. It could also be someone who noticed an act of negligence on the part of the manager. For example, the absence of a slippery when wet sign, or a broken handrail on a staircase.
Step 5: Avoid Making Statements
While it might be tempting to make accusations or talk about the event to a journalist or anyone else looking to converse with you, do refrain from making any statements, particularly those that involve admitting to fault or negligence on your part.
It is important that you simply focus on getting medical attention and getting evidence. Most importantly, avoid any unnecessary communication with the owners or manager of the premises, or any insurance agents until you have appointed a legal professional who can advise you on your best course of action.
This leads us to the final step.
Step 6: Get in Touch With Qualified Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Slip and fall accidents can be expensive on a victim, leaving you with medical expenses, disabilities, and a host of other problems. However, with the help of the right slip and fall accident lawyer, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the parties responsible for your accident.
A good lawyer will help you gather evidence and create a strong case before the court to get you the highest possible compensation for your injuries. Be sure to find a slip and fall lawyer who practices in personal injury law within your state, as different states have different laws surrounding concepts like premise liability, slip and fall accidents, and negligence.
Getting the Justice You Deserve
If you or someone you know has suffered any kind of injury in a slip and fall accident, it is important that you seek out medical attention immediately. However, once you have received the medical care you need, your next concern must be justice.
At Jerome O. Fjeld, we’ve helped thousands of clients file personal injury claims to get the compensation they deserve for the injuries they’ve suffered. We can do the same for you.
Get in touch with us for a confidential consultation with our qualified slip and fall accident lawyers in Texas.
