1. Get Medical Attention
First and foremost, it is vitally important to receive medical attention at the hospital or your primary care physician after a slip and fall accident. Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor sooner rather than later. Before you go to confront a business or homeowner who didn’t clear the walkway properly, we advise you to get medical treatment.
2. Take Pictures of the Spot
Photographic evidence is crucial to prove your claim that someone else’s negligence was responsible for your injury. If there was a wet spot indoors, but no “Wet Floor” sign or a homeowner didn’t use salt on his or her driveway after an ice storm, document the lack of safety precautions with images.
3. File an Accident Report
Whether your injury occurred on commercial or personal property, notify the person who owns the property that you experienced a fall. Business owners may have accident paperwork for you to fill out and can provide you with a copy.
4. Collect Information from Everyone
In addition to the home or business owner, get the names and phone numbers of anyone who may have witnessed the slip and fall incident. These people may be able to confirm that your fall occurred or, better yet, provide a statement that the premises was in fact dangerous.
5. Keep Physical Evidence
Your clothing and footwear may be able to help prove your claim that the slip and fall incident was not your fault. A product like floor wax could be found on the bottom of your shoes – if there was no “Wet Floor” sign, the property owner could be held responsible for not warning patrons of a potentially slippery surface.
6. Hire an Attorney
You can involve an attorney at any time during the ordeal; if you need help gathering physical evidence or witness information, Trantolo & Trantolo is here to help. We can help you work with the insurance company to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious, life-long injuries like head trauma or paralysis. Before you become a victim of this kind of tragedy, follow our six steps after an incident occurs and call Trantolo & Trantolo’s experienced slip and fall attorneys today.
