The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits for adults over 65. But severe falls can hurt you at any age. What you do immediately after a slip and fall accident matters. A slip and fall attorney could help you gather evidence for a strong personal injury claim.
What to Do in the First Few Minutes at the Scene
Your first instinct after a fall is to recover quickly. That instinct is normal. But it’s also one of the biggest reasons why slip and fall claims fall apart. This is what you should do immediately after an accident.
- Stay still and check how you feel. Adrenaline can hide pain. A bruise that feels minor could be a concussion or fracture in an hour. Take a few moments before you stand up.
- Report the fall right away. If it happened in a store, restaurant, or office, ask to speak with a manager. Ask them to file an incident report, and get a copy if possible.
- Take pictures of everything, including the hazard that caused your fall. Photograph it from several angles. Take pictures of your injuries, too. Include the area around the hazard to show the context.
- Get names and numbers from witnesses. Anyone who saw the fall can help your case. Ask for their contact information before they leave the scene. They may be difficult to find later!
Our slip and fall legal team sees the difference early evidence makes. The sooner you preserve it, the stronger your case.
Why You Need Medical Care Right Away
Seeing a doctor after a fall does two things. Medical care protects your health, and it protects your claim. This is what you should do when seeking medical assistance after a slip and fall.
- Go to the ER or urgent care the same day. Many fall injuries don’t show up right away. Concussions and internal bleeding take time to appear. A doctor could catch these and put them in your medical record.
- Follow up with your regular doctor. One visit usually isn’t enough for a strong claim. Attend follow-up appointments and imaging when possible.
- Don’t skip treatment. Gaps in care are a common defense argument. Don’t miss physical therapy or follow-up appointments. The defense will argue that your injury must not have been that severe.
- Keep every piece of paperwork, including bills and prescriptions.
Medical records accomplish more than proving that you were hurt. They connect your pain to the fall, especially if it was a serious injury. Your legal team and any experts will use these bills to calculate your compensation.
How a Slip and Fall Claim Works
Slip and fall cases are classified under premises liability law. This practice area holds property owners responsible for unsafe conditions. To win a slip and fall claim, you need to prove four things.
1. The owner owed you a duty of care. Property owners have to keep their space reasonably safe. Customers and guests get the highest level of protection.
2. The owner failed that duty. This means they knew about a danger and didn’t fix it. Or they should have known through regular checks.
3. That failure caused your injury. There has to be a clear link between the hazard and your fall. Medical records, photos, and witness statements help prove the connection.
4. You have real damages, like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A claim requires actual harm, not only inconvenience.
Want to understand the bigger picture? Read our premises liability practice overview for more information. Our attorneys view each case with compassion and determination.
Common Questions About What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
How long do I have to file a slip and fall accident lawsuit?
Statute of limitations deadlines vary by state. For example, Alabama requires two years from the date of the fall. Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines. Contact a premises liability lawyer right away to confirm the deadline for your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall accident?
Not every case needs an attorney. However, we highly recommend legal counsel. Cases with serious injuries or complicated liability usually benefit from legal help. Insurance companies also put up a fight.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t report the fall right away?
That depends on your specific circumstances. Late reporting hurts a claim, but doesn’t always end the process. Evidence like documentation or witness testimonies can still support your case. Talk to a personal injury attorney to see what’s possible.
How much is my slip and fall claim worth?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. Your potential recovery depends on your losses. You may receive compensation for severe injuries or missed income. A premises liability lawyer could review your case to give you a realistic estimate.
What kinds of injuries are common in slip and fall cases?
Common injuries include broken bones, especially hips and wrists. More severe cases include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal issues. Some cases require surgery, rehab, and even long-term care.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys With Your Premises Liability Case
Whether at the workplace or a swimming pool, slip and fall accidents are more than a punchline. They could easily become a serious injury and affect your entire life. When fighting for compensation, you need an attorney you can trust.
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we’ve spent more than 20 years holding property owners and insurance companies accountable. We’ve recovered over $2 billion for clients across the country. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, schedule a free case review today.
