Slip & Fall… What Do I Do Now?

Many people suffer injuries after falling, sometimes severe. How do you determine whether to see an attorney about the fall and resulting injuries? The quick answer is to always contact your attorney so that a determination can be made regarding liability. However, I am going to give you some information so that you better protect your interests in the meantime.

Primarily, always make sure that the management at the situs of the fall is aware of the situation. The best way to do this is to request an accident report be drafted immediately. It is important that this is done with someone in a supervisory position and before leaving the scene of the fall, if medically possible. Be sure that this is in writing, and request to review the report. If there are any inaccuracies, this is the time to best make those noted.

Further, it is important that you scan the area for reason for your fall. In the event that you have fallen as a result of the negligence of another, it may be possible to hold that person or entity liable. However, it is your burden of proving that the person or entity was the cause of your fall, whether through action or inaction. The reason for your fall is important information to be brought to your attorney at the first visit.

It is also important to realize the mechanism of your fall. In the event that the fall was as a result of the negligence of another, and you suffer injuries, it is also your burden to prove that the fall is the cause of the injuries. An integral part of this proof will be whether the mechanism of your fall and the injuries are consistent. It may also be helpful to write down the specifics of your fall as soon as medically possible, so that you are sure to recall same in the future.

If there are any witnesses to the incident, be sure to gather each name, address and telephone number. If there is a written accident report, it may be best to secure that information on the accident report, but be sure to keep a copy of this record for yourself, as well. Make sure that this information is legible. This information is important in the proof of your case as well.

Upon suffering injuries, it is important that you present to a healthcare professional for medical treatment. Without medical treatment, it is quite difficult to prove that you have suffered any injury with permanent effects, which is also your burden. Be sure to inform your physician of the cause of your fall, as well as the mechanism of your fall. This will help to insure that you receive proper medical care and that the physician is able to inquire about injuries that may have occurred, of which you are not yet aware.

It may be difficult to determine whether another person or entity was the cause of your incident. By following the above, you will help to preserve the information so that your attorney may review the facts surrounding the incident and assist in that determination.