Slip and Fall? Don't Panic!
Steps Immediately After a Slip & Fall
It can be embarrassing to fall in a store or business but you did nothing wrong! Whether you fell at the mechanics, an office, such as a doctor’s office or other business, a large chain store or your favorite mom and pop place, it is the owner’s responsibility to provide you with a safe place to conduct business. The fact that you fell suggests that they did not meet their duty to you as a customer. While you did nothing wrong before the fall, what you do after can make a huge difference in the strength of your case. This post will provide you with some of the tools you need if the worse happens and you ever fall in someone’s place of business.
After a fall, it might take you some time to regain your bearings. Once you recover from the initial shock, take a few moments to take stock of yourself. First identify if you have been hurt. The adrenaline and shock from the sudden fall can mask any symptoms, so take whatever time is necessary to check yourself for injuries or pain. If you are unable to get off the floor or if any movement feels excruciatingly painful, seek help of a bystander or employee of the business. Do not attempt to get up or start walking away from the accident unless you would be in more danger if you were to stay in place. If you need more serious and immediate medical attention, you or a bystander should call for help or dial 911.
Once you have determined if you can move without injuring yourself further, look around carefully to figure out what led to the accident. Maybe an object was left on the floor that you did not see before slipping or tripping on it. Perhaps you will notice some clear or difficult to see liquid like water or something else that made the floor excessively slippery. You should document everything about the episode, such what caused the slip and fall. Be sure to collect as many details as possible. Before the conditions change – such as an employee moping a spill—take pictures of the location. Take pictures of your shoes including the soles and take pictures of whatever caused you to fall. Also look to see if there is a security camera in the area that might show what happened in the incident. In addition, identify potential witnesses and get their contact information in writing. A phone number or email is perfect.
Once you have inspected the scene and documented what happened, report the incident to the property owners, managers or employees. Limit your communication with them and do not accept blame or assert that it is their fault. Ask for copies of any report that is created by the owners. Don’t forget to get the names of the owners, manager or employees that you are speaking with.
A slip and fall accident can be very sudden and surprising. It can take a lot of effort to keep your senses and to be able to do all of the steps discussed in this post. However, the more information you get about the conditions that caused your fall and the names and contact information of witnesses and others, the stronger your case may be.
Call a Lawyer
While the steps above are important, the most important thing you can do after a slip and fall is to contact an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer to help determine who is at fault and help assess the potential value of your slip and fall case. Both personal and commercial property owners have the responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If you are injured due to the property owner’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The attorneys at SJOC Law have nearly 20 years of experience dealing with all types of slip and fall injuries at all kinds of businesses. Our attorneys have gone up against some of the largest chains in the United States and helped clients with anything from minor injuries to debilitating, life changing injuries. Our legal team will investigate the circumstances and determine the best strategy for your slip and fall case. We fight aggressively and passionately to help ensure the best results for you and your family.
You won’t face any legal fees unless you win your case, so go ahead and call our firm today or contact us anytime to schedule your free consultation.