Getting hurt in a slip and fall isn’t something that is ever planned. When the unexpected happens, you may be scared and confused. Here’s what’s best to do after a slip and fall accident.
1. It’s Best to Seek Medical Attention
Not only is medical attention critical for your safety, but it’s also the first step in building your case. When you’re hurt in a slip and fall, the best initial step is to have your injuries documented. Visiting a doctor immediately after your slip and fall is the best thing you can do to create an expert record of your injuries. Seeking medical attention quickly after a slip and fall also proves the timing of your injuries. It’s common for the insurance companies to try to dismiss your injuries by claiming that you must have gotten injured on another occasion. Going to the doctor right away is the best way to prevent the other side from having any chance to say that you got injured another way. Also, the full extent of your injuries may not be immediately apparent to you after a slip and fall. If you have head trauma, you may not be aware of it. There are a variety of injuries that might be hidden to you in the aftermath of a fall. A medical expert knows what to look for to ensure all your injured are identified. Not only is a full accounting of your injuries critical for your recovery, but it’s also critical to building a complete case to maximize your recovery.
2. Inspect the Scene
What caused you to fall? Did a store have a display where someone could easily trip on it? Was there water on the floor? Did the store let too many people in to shop at once for a special event? The best time to try and pin down the cause of your slip and fall is immediately after it occurs. Look around you. If you can pinpoint the cause of your fall, you can work backward to determine what the store owners and employees might have done differently to prevent you from falling.
3. Take Photographs
While the jury can listen to what witnesses have to say and visualize the scene, it’s more powerful if the jury can look at photos. Even if you’re not sure what you’re taking a picture of, it is best to take photos of the scene. It is best to take photos of the floor, the area around you, and even the area that surrounds the scene. Your attorney can help you determine what’s most important later. Photos can be critical to show the jury that your version of events is accurate.
4. Identify Witnesses
Witnesses are critical to verify your version of events. If your slip and fall happens at a business, other customers might be your best witnesses. It’s important to get their contact information so that you can call them to testify on your behalf. Approach witnesses and ask for their name, phone number, address, and email address. You can even ask for a brief explanation of what they saw. When you work with an attorney, they will follow up with witnesses quickly. They’ll ask them for a detailed statement in writing. If there aren’t third-party witnesses, you may still have a strong claim for recovery. However, having witnesses in your corner is the best way to prevent the defense from trying to deny your version of events
5. Make Official Reports
A business might want you to make an accident report for their records. The best thing for you to do is to go ahead and make the statement. Make sure you include all vital information. Making an official report can be critical for the timing of your claim. Having the complaint on file is often the best way to stop the other side from claiming that you didn’t take your accident seriously when it happened or that it didn’t happen at all.
