The second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths is falls. Depending on the industry, slip and fall accidents can be the leading cause of death. Experiencing a slip and fall accident can be very disorienting and distressing. It’s crucial to take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your rights.
Falls are 100% preventable. If you experience an injury due to a fall accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Here’s what to do after a slip and fall accident.
8 Important Steps to Take After a Slip & Fall Accident
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fall accidents account for over 8 million hospital visits each year, representing 21.3% of visits. After a slip and fall accident, it’s essential to act promptly and decisively to ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights. Follow these eight crucial steps to navigate the aftermath effectively:
Report Your Injury Immediately and Make an Accident Report
One of the first things you should do after a slip and fall accident is to report the incident to the property owner, manager, or whoever is in charge of the premises where the accident occurred. If you were injured in a workplace accident, you may be able to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.
An official accident report can be crucial for a personal injury claim. Ensure you provide detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and factors that contributed to the fall. This could include wet surfaces or a lack of signage.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
While still at the scene of the accident, gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include taking photographs or videos of the area where the incident occurred, showing any hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered floors, or poor lighting.
Additionally, document any contributing factors like debris or obstacles that may have caused the fall. The more compelling evidence you can collect, the stronger your case may be.
Collect Contact Information From Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to the slip and fall accident, it’s crucial to obtain their contact information before leaving the scene. Witness testimony can provide invaluable support for your claim by corroborating your account of the incident.
Be sure to ask for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, and request permission to contact them later if necessary. Having independent witnesses can significantly strengthen your case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Your Injuries
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time if left untreated. In 2021, about 44,686 people died in fall accidents that occured at home and work. A thorough medical evaluation can diagnose any hidden injuries and ensure you receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, medical records documenting your injuries will be crucial evidence for any insurance claims.
Document Your Injuries Follow Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
After seeking medical attention, diligently document all your injuries and follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Keep records of doctor’s appointments, medications, therapies, and any other medical expenses related to your slip and fall injuries. Following your treatment plan not only promotes your recovery but also strengthens your case by demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the efforts you’ve made to recover.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
Avoid providing a recorded statement to insurance adjusters or representatives of the property owner without consulting with a lawyer first. The property owner’s insurance company may try to use your statement against you to minimize or deny your claim. It’s best to consult with an experienced slip and fall accident attorney who will protect your rights and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
It’s essential to understand your rights and obligations before speaking with insurance representatives. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help protect your interests and ensure that you don’t inadvertently say or do anything that could harm your case. A personal injury attorney will help seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Without Consulting With an Attorney
It’s best to refrain from accepting any settlement offers from insurance companies or the at-fault party without first consulting with a qualified slip and fall lawyer. Initial settlement offers are often low and may not fully compensate you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
An experienced attorney can assess the value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue maximum compensation through settlement or litigation if necessary.
Contact Experienced San Diego Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident due to the property owner’s negligence, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in premises liability cases.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your accident, advise you of your rights, and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. With their expertise and advocacy, you can increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome and rebuilding your life after the accident.
Common Injuries Sustained in a Slip and Fall Incident
- Broken bones and fractures
- Broken hips
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries and paralysis
- Cuts and abrasions
- Shoulder injuries
We Represent Personal Injury Victims
At Harbor Accident Lawyers, we understand the challenges and complexities that slip and fall accident victims face. Our dedicated team of San Diego personal injury lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights of injured individuals and holding negligent property owners accountable for their actions. We specialize in personal injury cases involving slip and fall accidents and will fight to help you obtain a fair settlement.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll provide the compassionate support and the strategic advocacy you need to recover the compensation you deserve.