You slipped, tripped, or fell. What do you do now?
Have you, or someone you know, fallen? If you sustained an injury after a fall, whether you slipped on a wet substance in a grocery store or you tripped over an uneven sidewalk, there are some important things you should do immediately:
- Call for help, whether that be calling 911 or the assistance of anyone in the area
- Get information from any witnesses
- Photograph the area and any defects that may have caused your fall
- Notify someone in authority, if appropriate, like a security guard, manager, employee or property owner
- Seek medical attention to document your injuries including any cuts, bruises, scratches, or scars
- Contact an experienced and successful personal injury lawyer at Rosenberg Law
After falling or if you have fallen, your first priority should be your health and safety. If you’re seriously injured or in pain, try not to move and call for medical help immediately, or have someone else do it for you. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as some injuries—like head trauma, internal bleeding, or fractures—may not show symptoms right away. Getting prompt medical care not only protects your well-being but also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Once your immediate health needs are addressed, take steps to document the scene of the fall. If you’re physically able, or if someone can assist you, take photographs or videos of the area where the incident occurred—focusing on the hazard that caused the fall, such as a wet floor, uneven surface, or poor lighting. Get contact information for any witnesses and report the incident to the property owner or manager, making sure the report is in writing. Keep copies of all medical records, receipts, and communications related to the fall. These actions can be crucial in protecting your legal rights and strengthening a potential personal injury claim.
Do you have a case?
If you, or someone you know, has recently fallen, some elements of a successful slip/trip and fall accident case are:
1. Liability
You must prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of someone else. You must prove that the responsible party/parties breached their of duty of care. Did the property owner make sure the area was safe and free from defects or warn of any actual or potential hazards. Also be aware that some government entities have protections and immunities from some liability claims and short time periods to notify them of your claim. An experienced and successful personal injury attorney at Rosenberg Law can inform and advise you of your rights and discover the rightful, responsible party or parties.
2. Damages
You must prove injuries and/or economic losses attributable to your fall and the responsible parties negligence. An experienced and successful personal injury attorney at Rosenberg Law will guide you in this process.
3. Coverage.
Did the responsible party have insurance to cover your damages? An experienced and successful personal injury attorney at Rosenberg Law will work tirelessly to find the insurance policies to cover your losses.
Understanding the next course of action
If you, or someone you know, has recently fallen, this is usually where most victims of personal injury cases are unsure. Our team at Rosenberg Law is always available to help you. We ensure that our clients understand all aspects of navigating a claim and collecting the correct information.
If you know someone who was hurt via a premises liability or a had a personal injury on someone else’s property, please do not hesitate to pass our information along. Our team is dedicated to making sure we can help people who have wrongly been hurt. Our team is always available to talk and we provide free consultations.
Preventative Measures
Of course some situations are solely due to property or individual negligence, but there are measures you can take to ensure your safety if you have fallen. If you are looking for some tips to prevent dangerous conditions in the workplace, or simply understand the difference between slips, trips, and falls—please check out this article.
Recent Comments