Like all accidents, slip and falls have a way of catching people completely off-guard and perhaps even into a state of shock. Yet there are many important things to remember after an accident happens for the sake of your health and to later pursue a claim against the person or entity responsible for your injuries.
Here are seven suggestions for what to do after a slip and fall accident to help you remember these essential steps in the event you are ever involved in one of these very common incidents.
1. Go to a Hospital or See a Doctor
The most crucial thing you can do after a slip and fall injury is to seek medical treatment by calling for an ambulance, getting a ride to a hospital, or seeing your doctor as soon as possible. It is a smart idea to get yourself checked out even if you feel fine after falling because you may have suffered internal injuries that you aren’t yet aware of. It’s also useful to have medical treatment documented in your case file if you plan to pursue a lawsuit later.
2. Document Accident Details in a Report
Details matter a lot when it comes to slip and fall accidents, so as soon as you are able, jot down notes on a piece of scrap paper or type them into your smartphone about how, when, where, and why your fall occurred. Be as detailed as possible and report your accident to the property owner if the accident happened on someone else’s property.
3. Take Photos of the Accident Scene
Photos can be worth a thousand words in slip and fall injury cases, so grab your smart phone and snap as many photos as you can after your fall. Use your camera to document the accident scene, weather conditions, signage, and location of your fall. If you don’t have a working camera or are too injured to take photos right away, have a trusted friend or family member do so for you as soon as possible.
4. Write Down Witness Contact Information
If you notice any other people around when you fall, ask them if they would be willing to give you their contact information as a potential witness. Witness statements are a huge help in slip and fall accident cases, especially when the defendant denies liability.
5. Decline Verbal or Written Statements
An insurance company may contact you after an injury has been reported, and it may request a recorded or written statement about the accident and your injuries. Do not give any statement to any insurance company until you speak with an attorney. Statements are not required by law, and insurance companies often don’t have your best interests in mind.
6. Keep a Log of Symptoms and Treatment
After your initial medical visit, keep detailed notes about your follow-up visits and how you are feeling day-to-day. Your ongoing account of your symptoms and treatment can help prove damages in your case and get you the fair compensation you deserve.
7. Contact the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum
Even the simplest of slip and fall accidents often require the experience of a local personal injury lawyer because of how complex these cases are and how challenging they are to prove. Our legal team will help you throughout the entire legal process and provide you with the information and compassion you need during this difficult time.
We recommend saving our office’s phone number (718-237-5586) in your phone so that you know who to call for legal help after an accident and don’t have to waste time searching for legal advice online when you’re feeling unwell.
