Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents occur for a variety of reasons. The term “slip and fall” can encompass a variety of situations, including slipping on wet floors or tripping over obstructions. Typically, the term describes a commercial business where a patron is injured but includes cases where employees are injured on the job as well. Here, we will discuss some critical next steps you should take if you are the unfortunate victim of a slip and fall in a business. 

Seek Medical Attention

The obvious first step if you are injured in an accident is to seek medical care. Slip and fall accidents can range from minor to severe, including broken bones, torn ligaments, or soft tissue damage. In some cases, slip and fall cases can even be deadly. If the injury is severe enough that you cannot leave the area alone, it is advisable to contact emergency services. 

Document the Incident

There are a variety of ways to document your accident. This may be more difficult if you need emergency assistance because of more severe injuries but if you are able, here are some steps to take to ensure you can accurately depict the situation later:

• Take photos of the area
• Be sure to get close-up photos of the spill, obstruction, or wet floor that caused the fall
• Collect identifying information of all people in the area who witnessed the fall
• Collect all identifying information of employees in the area and management on duty
• Note the date and exact time the fall occurred
• Request video footage of the accident if available 

Documentation of the incident will be crucial later in the process for liability purposes. Over time, our memories tend to fade, and the details of an incident can become hazy. You will want to ensure that the accident scene is frozen for later investigation, and the way to do that is through thorough documentation. 

Do Not Give Statements

When you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, giving statements to witnesses or to business management is unlikely to help. Explaining why you fell or providing a narrative to anyone on the scene is not advised. Similarly, it is not advisable to post an account of the event on social media. The goal is to remain neutral and give only enough information to receive treatment for your injuries. You should not assign blame to anyone and should not accept blame yourself.

Contact an Illinois Slip and Fall Attorney Immediately

After you have received treatment for your injuries and are able, your next step should be to contact a qualified attorney. Slip and fall cases are very complex and require a thorough understanding of the facts of the case. The team of Illinois attorneys at Sam Law Office, LLC has the experience you need on your side. Slip and fall incidents can have serious, negative impacts on your life and in some cases, you may be entitled to compensation to help you get back on your feet and back to your normal life. Let the trained team at Sam Law Office, LLC help you get what you deserve!