According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Over 700,000 Americans are hospitalized each year because of a fall injury.
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Each year, 2.5 million American seniors are treated in emergency rooms for injuries caused by a fall.
Steps to Take After a Slip & Fall Injury
In the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall, you may be in a great deal of pain, in shock, or may even be rendered unconscious.
If you can, try to take these important steps immediately or as soon as possible after your fall:
Seek medical attention for your injuries
Whether you can tell that you have suffered a serious injury or you think you’re “okay,” it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Not all injuries from a slip and fall are immediately apparent – some symptoms may not make themselves known until days or weeks later. Getting medical attention is not only important for your health, but the documentation and medical records can also be key pieces of evidence in your efforts to obtain compensation for any injuries caused by your slip and fall.
Report your fall to the property owner or manager
No matter where your fall occurred, you should report the incident to either the property owner or someone in charge of the property. If you fell in a store, restaurant, office building, or other commercial property, report your fall to the manager or another individual in charge at the time. If you fell in an apartment building or rental property, notify the landlord or property manager. If they prepare a report – and they should – you should request a copy. Be careful, however, not to make any admissions or enter into any agreements with the property owner or manager that could harm your ability to seek compensation. Don’t downplay your injuries or blame yourself. Just be matter-of-fact in describing the incident.
Take pictures
Take photos of where you fell, trying to capture all the conditions in the area near where your fall happened. If there was a spill, ice, a cracked sidewalk, broken railing or other dangerous condition that led to your fall, these pictures could prove to be important evidence in your injury lawsuit.
Identify witnesses
Take down names and contact information from any witnesses, including other customers, passers-by, store employees, or anyone who has stopped to assist you.
Speak with slip and fall injury lawyer
Even if the last thing on your mind is filing a lawsuit, it is critically important that you contact an experienced slip and fall injury lawyer to discuss the incident and your injuries. You may have a right to compensation for your injuries, but there are time limits on when you can file a claim. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney – almost all of whom offer free consultations – the sooner you can understand your rights and your options and ensure that you are in the best possible position should disputes arise in the future.
