What to Do if You Suffer a Slip, Trip and Fall Accident

No one asks for a for a serious injury and the pain and suffering that can came from them. From not being able to work and care for your children or do something as simple as grocery shopping, a debilitating injury takes its toll. Not to mention the potential medical care, rehabilitation and bills that come with serious injuries. Slip, trip and falls can be debilitating.

By law, all buildings, homes, businesses parking lots, and walkways must be maintained to ensure they can be safely traveled. If you slip, trip or fall on a business or individual’s property in Philadelphia or virtually anywhere due to a defective condition, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, time off work and pain and suffering. Because slip, trip, and falls can happen anywhere—and to anybody—it’s important to know what steps to take following an accident.

Here are five steps to take after a slip, trip, and fall accident:

Seek Medical Treatment

Your health and wellbeing should be your number one priority following a slip, trip, and fall accident. If you’ve been hurt, it’s important to see a doctor so that your injuries can be properly documented and treated. Those medical records will be important pieces of evidence should you decide to seek compensation for your injuries.

Report the Accident

No matter where the slip, trip, and fall accident happens, make sure you report it to a manager, owner or landlord. Remember to get the details of the incident in writing—ask the manager, owner or landlord to make a written report, and request a copy before you leave.

Document Everything

It’s important to collect the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for all potential witnesses. Their statements could help prove your claim if you decide to pursue legal action. Also, remember to take pictures of the EXACT location where you fell and make sure to photograph any stairs, icy patches, or other conditions that contributed to your accident. If you can, look for security cameras that may be on location and note them.

Decline to Give Statements

Remain calm and limit your communication with the property owner or manager. Do not post any details related to your accident on social media. Decline to give a statement to an insurance company until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Not doing so could put your claim in jeopardy. Ultimately, an insurance company does not want to pay any claim so any indication that your injury could be anything but neglect, and may cause them to close your claim unfavorably.

Call an Attorney

When considering legal action, the best person on your side is an experienced attorney. Since many slip, trip and fall cases are complex and difficult to prove, you are best served by the resources of a successful law firm. We have the experience, knowledge, and track record of success to recover the money you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip and fall incident we are available to meet with you immediately for a free case review. And remember, at Murray L. Greenfield & Associates there is never a fee unless we get money for you.