Injured? Here’s What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere at a grocery store, on a sidewalk, or even at work. These accidents often result in injuries that can disrupt your daily life and lead to costly medical bills. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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What to do immediately after a slip and fall accident
1. Seek medical attention immediately
Prioritize your health and safety. It’s important to consult a doctor, even if your injuries don’t seem severe. Some injuries such as internal bleeding or head trauma may not be apparent at first.
- If necessary, call 911.
- A full medical assessment can be obtained by visiting a doctor.
- Keep a record of all medical treatment and follow all recommendations.
2. Report an Accident
You should notify the relevant authority about the accident, regardless of where it occurs: at a business, on a private property or in a public place.
- Notify the owner, manager or landlord.
- Keep a copy of the written report for your records.
- Document the name and title of the person with whom you spoke.
3. Collect evidence from the scene
If you are going to need to make a claim, it is important that you have strong evidence.
- Take photos: Take pictures of the exact place where you fell and any dangerous conditions (e.g. wet floor, uneven surface) as well as any warning signs.
- Gather witness information: Obtain names and contact information from any witnesses who witnessed the accident.
- Save Your Clothes and Shoes: You should keep the clothes and shoes that you wore when the incident occurred in case these become relevant to the claim.
4. Keep detailed records
- Keep all medical bills, prescriptions and lost wage records.
- Keep a record of your pain level, mobility problems, and recovery progress.
- Keep copies of all correspondence you have with insurers or property owners.
5. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize claims.
- You should not apologize for your mistakes.
- Avoid making a recorded statement before consulting with an attorney.
- Accepting a settlement without knowing your full damages is a mistake.
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(727) 822-8818
Understanding the Liability of Slip and Falls Cases
You must show that the owner of the property was negligent in order to be able to claim compensation. You must prove that the property owner was negligent.
- There was a dangerous condition (such as an icy sidewalk or uneven steps).
- The owner of the property knew about or should have been aware of it, but did not fix it.
- This hazard caused your injuries.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents
Hazardous conditions, such as:
- Slippery or Wet Floors
- Uneven pavement or sidewalks
- Poor lighting
- Carpets or rugs that are not attached to a wall
- Cluttered sidewalks
- Handrails and stairs that are defective
Slip and Fall Injuries: Types of Injury
The severity of slip and fall injuries can vary from minor to life altering. The most common injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Sprains, ligament tears
- Head trauma and concussions
- Spinal cord injury
- Cuts and bruises
How to strengthen your slip and fall claim
1. You should follow your doctor’s treatment plan
Insurance companies might argue that you are not seriously injured if your doctor’s appointment is missed or if medical advice is ignored.
2. Social Media: Be careful what you post
Posting about an accident or injury is not a good idea. Insurance companies can use social media to contest your claim.
3. Working with an experienced slip and fall attorney
An experienced attorney will collect evidence, negotiate and fight for you to receive the maximum compensation.
What compensation can you recover?
Slip and fall victims may be entitled to compensation including:
- Medical Expenses : Includes hospitalization, medication, and doctor visits.
- Loss of Income: Compensation for lost income due to work absences caused by injury.
- Injuries caused by pain and suffering: Physical injury, emotional distress and reduced quality-of-life damages.
- Property Damage: Compensation for damaged items such as clothing and electronics.
Florida’s Slip & Fall Laws and Deadlines
Each state has its own rules for claiming slip and fall injuries. In Florida, a personal injury suit can be filed four years after the date of accident. In some cases, there may be exceptions, so you should act immediately.
Common defenses used by property owners and insurance companies
The following arguments may be used by property owners and insurers to try to deny their responsibility:
- Comparative negligence: claiming that you are partially at fault for an accident.
- Open and Obvious doctrine: The argument that the danger was obvious and could have easily been avoided.
- Lack of notice: Saying that they weren’t aware of the dangerous situation and didn’t have enough time to fix it.
Why hiring a slip and fall attorney is crucial
Hiring an attorney to represent you in a slip-and-fall accident can improve your chances of success. An experienced attorney can:
- Collect evidence and conduct an investigation.
- Handle all insurance negotiations.
- You can be represented in court, if needed.
Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney at Law can provide you with legal assistance.
Jeanette Secor is available to assist you if you or someone close to your heart has been injured by a slip-and-fall accident. Our legal team will fight for you to get the compensation that you deserve.
Do not let medical bills or lost wages accumulate because of negligence. Call us at (727 822-8818) for a no-obligation consultation. We will protect your rights.
You can achieve the best outcome by working with a lawyer who is experienced and taking the appropriate steps.