Did you know that approximately 30% of people age 65 or older experience fall incidents, with a significant portion being repeat incidents? Slip-and-fall accidents rank as the second leading cause of injury-related deaths for people aged 65-84. Meanwhile, slip-and-fall accidents are the most common among people over the age of 85.
So what should you do in the event of a slip-and-fall accident? Feeling disoriented is normal, but according to Riverview slip and fall lawyer Frank Santini, Esq., the first thing you should do is protect yourself immediately. When you have secured yourself, seek medical attention, even if you think you are fine.
Find out in this article the important steps to take following a slip and fall accident.
Ensure Your Safety
Prioritize your well-being after a slip and fall incident. Check your environment for sources of further injury. If you are disoriented or in pain, do not get up until you are sure moving is safe.
Use any nearby objects, like a railing or wall, for support in getting up. If it hurts too much or it’s too difficult to stand, call for help. Remain calm and avoid rushing to get up. Rushing will probably make the injury worse.
If you’re in a public place, find someone close to alert of the incident. Ask anybody nearby to help you or call somebody on your behalf.
The legal professionals at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler recommend calling someone for help if you’re at home. Avoid further injuries by moving to a safe location.
Seek Medical Attention
Have yourself immediately checked by a physician for concussions, soft tissue damage, or fractures. These are some injuries that do not manifest right away.
Thorough examinations, test recommendations, and diagnoses will be done to evaluate your health.
Obtain a medical record. A medical record describes one’s injuries and the treatment followed. The record will serve as official documentation and can be used for future compensation claims.
Report the Incident
Slip-and-fall accidents must be reported. After treating your slip-and-fall injuries, notify the property owner or manager. This alerts them to the situation and helps them avoid a recurrence.
Include as many details as possible in your incident report. Describe where the fall occurred and how it happened. The report should contain any contributing factors, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, etc. If witnesses were present, note their names and contact information, as this information can be vital later on.
Request a copy of the report. This will help support your case when you seek compensation later on. Promptly reporting the incident is important since delays complicate your claims and weaken your case.
Document the Scene
Preserve the scene of your slip and fall accident in order to establish a strong case. Take clear photographs of the area where the incident occurred. Highlight any hazards, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstructions, that contributed to the accident.
Check if proper signage is present. The lack of one can indicate negligence. Record your findings immediately. Date, time, and weather conditions will help contextualize your claim. What happened before you hit the ground, what you were doing, and what others were doing should be recorded.
If possible, make a very rough sketch of the area, showing the positions of the main features. This visual aid will later help if you have to present your case to lawyers or insurance agents.
Keep any evidence, which may include clothing or other items that were damaged in the fall. All these details will strengthen your case to build liability and protect your rights after the accident happens.
Gather Witness Information
Gather witness statements to support all the information you have provided.
A witness is anyone who saw your fall or noticed the conditions that led to the accident. Speak with them and ask if they’d like to share what they saw.
Note down their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Try to convince them to provide a short statement about the accident.
Remember that witnesses may leave the scene or forget what happened, so act swiftly. If not possible, ask a friend or family member to help. They can assist in gathering details without adding up stress to the situation.
Collect Evidence
Scout the area for any nearby surveillance cameras. If there are, note their locations, as there may be useful footage of your fall. If possible, inquire with the property owner about acquiring the footage.
Take note of any maintenance or repair logs for the area, as these can be used to determine whether the property owner was aware of the potential hazards.
Notify Your Insurance
Immediately report the incident to your insurance company after a slip and fall incident. Notify them even when the injury is not severe.
Provide them with all relevant information about that location, including when and where it occurred, any injuries sustained, and any evidence gathered previously.
Write down everything you’ve discussed with your insurance. Take notes on the conversations, dates, times, and representatives you speak with in order to track the progress of your case and use it as a reference later on.
Consult a Legal Expert
Slip-and-fall accidents require legal representation. You may wonder about your rights, duties, and compensation. A legal expert can explain personal injury law for your case and evaluate your accident, culpability, and carelessness.
An attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases can provide valuable insight and help you navigate the entire process. They will assist in gathering evidence such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, which are very important in building a strong case.
Follow Up on Your Recovery
Recovering from a slip and fall accident requires a lot of time and effort. You must have a proactive approach to your recovery.
Do not hesitate to ask questions at appointments. Understand the treatment you are receiving, why it is being provided, and what lifestyle changes, if any, are expected to improve recovery efficiency. Attend all physical therapy sessions prescribed and make an effort to do the exercises at home.
Check your emotional health. Neglecting mental health can lead to stress or anxiety. In case you find it hard to cope, talk to a friend or relative, or seek professional help.
Conclusion
Use this article as a guide if you are involved in a slip and fall accident. Immediate action should be taken to guarantee a fair compensation and the protection of your rights.