10 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of incidents in the United States. Nonetheless, slip and fall accidents can result in severe injuries. In fact, victims of slip and fall accidents account for 12% of all emergency room visits. Between 20% and 30% of persons who visit the ER after a slip and fall event suffer significant injuries.
New York has a population of over 8 million people, and over 66 million people visit the city each year. This means that millions of dollars are spent each year on medical treatment for slip and fall injuries. If you suffered a slip and fall accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, after a slip and fall accident, there are some important steps that you need to take if you want to recover compensation for your injuries.
1. Remain Calm and Check For Injuries
You may feel confused and disoriented just after the accident, especially if you hit your head. One of the most crucial things to do is to make sure you are not hurt. Check to see if you are bleeding or experiencing pain. Some injuries are difficult to detect right away but you should be able to detect most serious injuries immediately.
2. Get Medical Attention
If you require medical attention immediately, call 911. When you are unable to stand up or you feel dizzy, ask someone else to call an ambulance for you. The most appropriate thing to do is to wait until an ambulance arrives. The paramedics will know how to handle the situation. Even if you do not require immediate medical assistance, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will make sure that you are not hurt. Remember that not all injuries can be easily spotted. Furthermore, medical reports and tests can be used as evidence.
3. Identify What Caused The Accident
It is critical to determine what caused your accident. Perhaps you slipped on ice or a puddle of water, or you fell because the handrails were shaky. Probably you tripped with an obstacle because there was poor illumination in the hallway. You may be able to sue the property owner if you were wounded as a result of their negligence.
4. Take Pictures Of The Scene
Taking photographs and videos of the accident scene might be quite beneficial. Check that the dangerous condition that caused the accident is clearly visible. You can also photograph your injuries. Take as many photos as you possibly can. The only way to get compensation is to build a strong case with sufficient evidence to back up your claim.
5. Get Eyewitnesses’ Contact Information
If anyone was there at the time of your accident, you can obtain their contact information. This allows you or your attorney to contact them and obtain a statement from them. If someone assisted you in getting up or called an ambulance for you, make a note of their name and phone number. If you sue the property owner, they may have a different version of the incident. A declaration from a neutral third party can be decisive in your case.
6. Notify Any Person in Authority of The Building
The property owners, property manager, or whoever is in charge of the building, needs to know about the accident as soon as possible. You can report the accident in person but it would be better if you can also send them an email, a text message, or a letter. It is always better to have things in writing. That way you will have proof that you reported the incident.
7. Ask for the Accident’s Security Footage
Surveillance systems are now installed in most commercial establishments and some residential properties. You can request security camera recordings. Perhaps one of the cameras filmed the accident. This can undoubtedly be extremely useful evidence.
8. Write An Incident Report
It is very common to forget some details of the incident a few days after the accident. To prevent this, you can write an incident report with as much detail as you can as soon as possible. Make sure to include the time of everything, the time that you fell, the time that the ambulance arrived, the time you arrived in the emergency room, etc.
9. Avoid The Following
Some actions may hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Make sure you avoid doing these things:
Standing up right away
If you fell on your back it would be better to wait a few minutes until you get back up. Make sure that you do not feel any severe pain. If you feel too much pain, do not stand up. Wait until an ambulance arrives. If you are going to get back up, do it slowly.
Blaming others or blaming yourself in front of others
Do not blame anyone or admit that it was your fault in front of others. Anything that you say can be used against you in court.
Signing any paper from the building authority person
If the property owners or property managers give you paperwork to sign, refuse to do so. You are not required to sign anything. In fact, it would be better not to sign anything before your attorney reviews it.
Do not give false information
When you file a claim you may be required to prove a description of the accident. Make sure that you do not give false information or more information than needed. Just make sure to provide the most accurate and objective information necessary.
10. Get A Free Consultation With Greenberg & Stein Attorneys
It is not easy to build a solid case to try to recover compensation for your injuries after a slip and fall accident. Dealing with your injuries and the expenses can be very stressful. However, you are not alone. Greenberg & Stein P.C. is a New York based law firm that can help you. At Greenberg & Stein, you will find very capable attorneys ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can help you evaluate your case, obtain the evidence necessary, negotiate with insurance companies and act on your behalf while you recover from your injuries. Contact us at 888-716-3843 to schedule a free consultation to review your case.