Slip and Fall Accidents: What to Do and What Not to Do

by Jessica Thomson Expert Blogger

Slip and fall accidents might seem like minor incidents but they can result in major injuries. Plus, they occur more frequently than you think. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, over 42,000 workers are injured annually in slip and fall incidents. While many are mere accidents, some are caused by the negligence of the property owner due to poor lighting, uneven surfaces, wrinkled carpeting or hidden cables. They are so common that most of us have been a victim of a fall at some time. But do you know what things you should do and what you should avoid doing after the accident that could affect your personal injury claim? Probably not. Here is a list of dos and don’ts to follow after a slip and fall accident.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Dos and Don’ts

Dos

     1)     Seek Medical Care

Your health and safety should be your top priority. Seek medical help right away so you get the care and attention you need. Get your injuries treated or at least checked even if you think they are not so serious.

2)      Document Your Injuries

Once paramedics or doctors have examined you, make sure you get a copy of their notes or statements. These will act as proof when you file a personal injury lawsuit and will be valuable to your slip and fall accident lawyer.

3)      Report the Incident

Whether you fell in a department store, a mall or at a friend’s home, it is important to report the incident to the manager, supervisor or landlord of the property to make them aware of the injuries you suffered. Also, get a signed copy of the report from the property owner.

4)      Take Pictures of the Surface Where You Fell

Collecting evidence is necessary to present a strong personal injury case. Be sure to take pictures of the surface which caused your slip and fall. If it was snow covered, slippery or oily, a picture is a great way to show judges, juries and insurers what caused the fall. Plus, take pictures of any bruises or wounds and get the names and contact information of witnesses.

 

Don’ts

     1)     Don’t Walk Away

Walking away from the site of the accident without reporting it to the authority concerned is a bad idea. You might think you have just minor bruises, but if you have sustained internal injuries, you are likely to notice them the next day. That’s why it is advisable to take things seriously and report the incident instead of walking away.

2)      Don’t Rely on Surveillance Footage

Most people assume that everything these days is caught on videotape. However, out of 10 cameras, perhaps four of them are actually working. Some are dummy cams to deter thieves; others may not capture your fall. Footage can also get erased or deleted before it is recovered. Even if the camera is working and pointed in the right direction, the video quality may be poor. In short, surveillance cameras aren’t always helpful.

3)      Don’t Give Recorded Statements to the Owner’s Insurance Company

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company is a big no-no, especially without consulting your personal injury lawyer. This can backfire as the insurance company can use your statement against you to negatively impact your case.

4)      Don’t Accept the Initial Settlement Offer

The insurance company may try to devalue your claim by offering you an initial compensation offer that is lower than what you deserve. Don’t ever make the mistake of accepting the first offer. Instead, negotiate a fair amount that sufficiently covers your injuries and damages. 

Fighting for your rights in a slip and fall accident case is not as easy as it seems. Know the right path to follow and the mistakes to avoid. We hope that you now understand the dos and don’ts to follow after a slip and fall accident in order to help you win your personal injury case. To learn more about accident damages and how to get your well-deserved compensation, consult a personal injury attorney near you.

  

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Created on Aug 23rd 2019 05:14. Viewed 381 times.

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