Slip-and-fall accidents happen when you least expect them—on a wet supermarket floor, icy sidewalk, or a poorly maintained staircase. While they might seem minor at first, a slip-and-fall injury can result in serious and long-lasting consequences, including broken bones, head trauma, and even permanent disability.
If you have a slip-and-fall accident, become aware of the things you should do soon after the accident and understand what makes it important to consult a personal injury lawyer. Taking prompt and proper actions increases your chances of maintaining good health, your rights and access to compensation.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall incidents are typically caused by hazardous conditions, including:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Uneven or broken pavement
- Poor lighting in hallways or staircases
- Loose rugs or torn carpeting
- Cluttered walkways
- Icy sidewalks or parking lots
Whether it’s at a store, in an office, your own place or a friend’s house, these accidents may happen. Should your injury from a slip and fall be attributed to someone else’s carelessness, for example, a property or business owner, you might be able to sue under premises liability law.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Injury?
Your actions immediately after the accident can significantly affect your ability to make a successful claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention
Go get checked out if you don’t feel hurt right away, as some conditions take time to show. Proceed to a medical institution immediately. Doing this stops injuries from getting worse and leaves a link between your injuries and the fall which is important if you claim later.
- Report the Incident
At once, tell the store owner, manager or supervisor about what happened. If you’re at a commercial location, make sure you get an incident report and obtain a copy of it. If you suffer an injury in your rental property, write to the landlord or property manager.
- Document Everything
Gather as much evidence as you can. This includes:
- Photographs of the scene, showing the hazardous condition that caused the fall (e.g., a puddle, broken tile, or icy walkway)
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness information, including names and contact details
- Your own notes about what happened, the time, location, and any details you might forget later
- Avoid Making Statements
Never mention being at fault, guess as to the reason for your fall or tell anyone that you are fine. Anything you say can be turned against you in the future. Be mindful to keep all your communications honest and minimal.
- Preserve Evidence
Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall. They may be important evidence, especially if your footwear was appropriate for the conditions.
When Should You Call a Lawyer?
You may not always have to hire a lawyer if you have a slip-and-fall injury, but sometimes you should. After a slip-and-fall injury, talk with a personal injury lawyer as quickly as you can, as you may not know what your rights are. Here are situations where you should definitely call an attorney:
- Serious Injuries
When a fall breaks a bone, causes any head injury, trauma to the back or neck or needs prolonged medical treatment, you should talk to a lawyer. Serious injuries often result in high medical expenses, a reduced income and lasting problems for your health.
- Disputed Liability
Should the property owner or their insurer resist taking responsibility or say the danger was clear, you need a lawyer to establish that they were negligent.
- Insurance Complications
Many times, insurance companies try to avoid making payouts or reject genuine claims. A lawyer is able to settle negotiations and ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve.
- You’re Unsure About Your Rights
Slip-and-fall accidents are handled by premises liability laws and these laws vary from state to state. A seasoned lawyer can let you know your options, judge if you have a strong case and walk you through the next things to do.
What Can a Lawyer Do for You?
- If you decide to pursue a claim, a personal injury lawyer can:
- Look into your case and search for evidence
- Turn to medical staff to evaluate what happened to you.
- Who should take responsibility for your slip and fall?
- Delete all messages and calls from your insurance company.
- Take action through a lawsuit and stand up for yourself in court if the need arises.
- Maximize the amount of money you can get for your bills, wages lost, struggling with pain and different types of damage.
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless you win your case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If your slip-and-fall injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, including:Â
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitative services
The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence.
Final Thoughts
A slip-and-fall injury often goes beyond just being embarrassed—it can greatly affect your life. The things you do right after you fall can greatly impact your health, how you recover and your legal situation.Â
When it is a personal injury case, visit a medical professional, report the accident to police, demonstrate proof and don’t admit anything was your fault. Visit a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as you have serious injuries or there’s any question about liability.
Your health and savings could be affected by it. Quick and thoughtful steps will help you defend your rights and get the compensation you should receive.
Need help with a slip-and-fall injury? Get in touch with Marquee Advocacy Group today!