Step-by-Step Guide To a Slip and Fall Accident
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are all too common. It might not even be the fault of the person involved in the accident, as these types of accidents are often caused by some kind of failure to properly maintain a walking surface. If you’ve found yourself or someone you know in a slip and fall accident, you’re not alone. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slip and fall accidents account for over one million trips to the emergency room. These accidents can be extremely painful or even fatal in some cases, which is why it’s important to be informed on what to do if you experience a slip and fall.
Here are the steps you should take in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident:
Get Medical Treatment
First and foremost, your health is what matters the most in these situations. If you’ve been significantly hurt or injured in a slip and fall accident, seek out medical treatment from a doctor. Even if you feel like you can put it off for a while, don’t hesitate to get medical treatment. Waiting too long to go to the doctor could not only negatively impact your health, but it could hurt your chances of being properly compensated in the event you need to take legal action against the person or company that failed to properly maintain the area that caused your slip and fall accident to happen. Once you receive treatment from a doctor, make sure to follow their recommended treatment and advice to the letter. Failing to fully follow your doctor’s plan of care could also be a hindrance to your legal case.
Make a Report
Once you’ve ensured that your health is being taken care of, the next step to take after a slip and fall accident is to make a report with the manager or property owner of the establishment. Report everything that happened leading up to the slip and fall accident so that it is put into writing for future reference. Additionally, ask for a copy of the report so you can verify its accuracy and hold onto it moving forward. Don’t feel pressed into signing and forms or documents provided by the property owner or manager. Only sign what you feel comfortable signing, because it might come upon again in the future.
Document As Much As You Can
In the immediate aftermath of the slip and fall injury, document as much of the situation as you can. If you’re too severely injured and need to go to the hospital right away, ask a friend or family member to go to the scene to document the evidence. Either you or a friend should take photos of the exact spot you experienced your slip and fall accident, especially focusing on the cause of the accident such as a liquid on the floor or something that was in need of repair. It’s important to highlight the urgency involved here, you should take the photos as quickly as possible. The owner or manager will often try to clean up whatever caused the accident in order to weaken a potential legal case against them.
Call 1-800-411-PAIN
Finally, once you’ve taken care of your injuries, made a report in writing, and documented as much as you can, you should call 1-800-411-PAIN to get in touch with an attorney who will fight the slip and fall legal case on your behalf. These types of accidents can be very complex legal situations, and big companies typically have plenty of lawyers and attorneys on their side to try to minimize your case. That’s why you should call 1-800-411-PAIN in order to contact experienced attorneys who will do everything they can to help you get the compensation you deserve.
So remember, the after a slip and fall, you should:
- Seek immediate medical care if necessary
- Make a written slip and fall accident report
- Document the evidence by taking photos of the scene
- Call 1-800-411-PAIN
Slip and fall accidents can be frustrating to experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you ever find yourself in one of these situations, follow these steps to ensure you get properly compensated for your unfortunate accident. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a slip and fall accident and has been injured, call 1-800-411-PAIN and get the help you need! We will refer you to the attorneys that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve and the medical attention you need. If you have been hurt in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN, and we will guide you in finding you the best medical and legal professionals.