What to Do and Not Do After a Slip and Fall

Slip and fall accidents can happen unexpectedly and can lead to severe injuries, some of which are not noticeable right away. Common ones include soft-tissue injuries, fractures, concussions and even spinal cord damage. If you suffer such a mishap, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation and other costs related to the injury. Knowing how to respond after the accident can affect your health and possible legal claims.

Here are key actions to take and to avoid if you slip and fall on someone else’s property:

1. Don’t try to get up immediately — After a slip and fall, your first instinct may be to get up quickly, but doing so can exacerbate any harm you’ve suffered. For example, you may have injured a hand or wrist in trying break your fall.
2. Assess your injuries — Take a moment to check for pain, swelling or difficulty moving. Common injuries from slip and falls include sprains, fractures, concussions, and back injuries. If you feel intense pain or suspect a serious injury, call for help immediately.
3. Don’t say anything compromising — Avoid comments that downplay your injuries or suggest fault on your part. Statements like “I’m fine” or “I wasn’t watching where I was going” can be used against you in a legal case.
4. Report the incident to the property owner or manager — Notify whoever is in charge of the premises as soon as possible. Request that they complete an incident report and give you a copy. This report can be an important piece of evidence if you pursue a claim for compensation.
5. Gather evidence — If possible, take photos and videos of the scene, including any hazards that contributed to your fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces or poor lighting. Also, obtain contact information for witnesses, who can provide valuable testimony later on.
6. Don’t sign anything — Do not sign any documents that may be presented to you, including the incident report. You may be limiting your ability to seek compensation later.
7. Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt —Always seek medical attention after a fall, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, leading you to believe you’re unharmed. A healthcare professional can diagnose injuries that might not be immediately apparent.
8. Write your own account of the accident — As soon as possible, write down your recollection of the incident, which can help refresh your memory later on. Include details about the conditions that led to your fall and any conversations you had with witnesses or property owners. 
9. Seek legal advice — An experienced slip and fall attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, identify liable parties, secure expert diagnoses and help you file and negotiate a claim for damages.

The skilled Long Island personal injury attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP in St. James have an established record in winning compensation for slip and fall accident victims. Call us at 631-360-0400 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.