What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of accidents in the personal injury world. Fortunately, the majority of slip and fall accidents do not result in any harm—other than minor soreness or discomfort. However, a concerning number of slip and fall accidents result in life-changing injuries; some slip and fall accidents could even result in death.

Without a doubt, the severity of the injuries sustained after the slip and fall accident could vary depending on a number of factors – such as details about the fall, the location of the fall, and the victim who slipped and fell. In the instances in which victims suffered some sort of injuries, it is possible for the victim to file a lawsuit and receive compensation.

Not surprisingly, pursuing a personal injury claim – specifically, a slip and fall claim – is not the first thing that victims think about. On the contrary, the first thing into the minds of those who slip and fall might be to get up as soon as possible, and the first thing they do might be to run off in embarrassment.

It is our natural instinct to get up when we fall, just as it is our instinct to feel embarrassed. However, it is important to think clearly and logically. Even if you are not thinking about filing a claim, you should act in a way that leaves the possibility of filing a claim open.

“Many people lose their only chance at being rightfully compensated because they do not act appropriately after their personal injury accidents. The failure to take prompt action could result in the loss of evidence, possible witness testimonies, and could make injured victims ineligible to receive compensation,” says Farid Yaghoubtil—personal injury attorney and founder of Downtown L.A. Law Group. “It is of utmost importance for all victims to follow certain recommendations before they even think about leaving the scene of their accident.”

Farid is right; unfortunately, many people simply get up and walk away, leaving the chance at recovering millions in compensation at the scene of their slip and fall accident. Undeniably, you might not think about pursuing a lawsuit immediately after your accident; however, you might consider the possibility of filing a claim later down the line – especially if your injuries become apparent at a later time.

To preserve your right to sue, even if filing a claim is the last thing on your mind, you should do all of the following immediately after your slip and fall accident:

• Get the attention of someone with some sort of authority or access to an authority figure. If you slipped and fell in a store, you should benefit from calling for an employee or manager.
• Take pictures. If possible, ask a witness to take a picture while you are still on the floor. If you have already gotten up after falling, take pictures of your surroundings—ensuring that the hazard that caused you to slip and fall is clear. Taking pictures as soon as possible is absolutely necessary since it is possible that the spill, leak, or other hazards that caused your fall will be addressed as soon as you get up.
• Speak to witnesses. There were likely witnesses to your accident, especially if it occurred in a public place, such as a grocery store, department store, hardware store, or gas station, for example. Speak to the witnesses, and ask them for their contact information. In many cases, witness testimonies mark the difference between successful claims and unsuccessful claims.
• Report the accident to the owner, manager, or anyone with authority. You should ensure that a written report is filed. You should also request a copy of the report for your records.
• Make note of any surveillance cameras. In areas where these accidents are common, there are usually a number of surveillance cameras recording at all times. Make note of these cameras and their locations. You should also make a note of the exact date and approximate time of your accident.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you are only experiencing mild pain, you should seek medical care. Many serious injuries could be confused for a general sore feeling after falling. In some cases, injuries do not become apparent until a few days or weeks after the accident. It is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. If your treatment is postponed, it could be nearly impossible to link your injuries with your accident at a later time.
• Seek legal assistance. Consulting an expert on slip and fall accidents as soon as possible allows you to start the legal process without any delays. Since all personal injury claims are time-sensitive, starting the legal process as soon as you are able is essential.

My injuries were so severe that I was rushed to the hospital before I could complete any of the points listed above. Even if you were not able to complete the recommendations above, you could still file a lawsuit successfully. If you are not able to do anything yourself, ask someone to do it for you—or return to the scene when you are well. Completing the steps above provides you with the tools necessary to file a claim. You could file a slip and fall claim even if you couldn’t take pictures, speak to witness, etc. However, the legal process is bound to be more complicated than had you completed the recommended steps listed above.