Four Steps to Take Immediately After a Slip and Fall Incident

December 6, 2018 Accident

To be eligible for damages after sustaining injuries from a slip and fall, victims will have to prove that another party was at fault, which is often difficult to do in court. There are crucial steps they will need to take to build a strong case after slipping or falling.

Step One: Seek Treatment

Injured parties should seek immediate medical treatment at an emergency room or walk-in clinic. Insurance companies and juries generally assume that those who do not receive treatment shortly after an incident were not badly injured. Physician’s records must be consistent with any personal injury claims.

Step Two: Report the Accident

Whether a fall happens at work, at a friend’s house, or on another premises, victims should immediately report the accident to the owner of the property. If the incident occurs at a commercial establishment, they should ask the owner or manager to create a written accident report detailing the fall and request a copy for their personal records. Failing to report the accident can weaken their case.

Step Three: Document Everything

This cannot be stressed enough. Collect contact information for any witnesses, as their statements could help prove your claim in court. Take pictures as soon as possible from every angle of the exact location of the fall, showing stairs, ice, or other factors that contributed to the fall. Some conditions, such as ice, can evaporate or be easily cleaned, making photographic evidence crucial. Claimants should also store the shoes and clothing they were wearing during a fall in a safe place. Each of these items may be used as evidence. Victims should jot down every important detail of a slip and fall incident, including the time and date of the fall and what they were doing before it happened.

Step Four: Consult an Attorney

If injured parties are unable to perform any of the tasks above, they should enlist a trusted family member or friend for help. Failure to seek treatment, report an incident or document the scene may hurt their case. They should also reach out to a personal injury attorney for legal counsel. The attorneys at Mansfield Melancon Cranmer & Dick have worked with countless clients to help them recover damages after slip and fall cases. We would be happy to review your case to see if you might be entitled to compensation. Contact us today if you think you have a case at 888-601-0127 or request a consultation.