What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Sep 22,2018

Slip and fall accidents account for roughly 1 million emergency room visits each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the average hospital cost for a slip and fall injury is more than $30,000. In 20-30% of cases, the injuries caused by a slip and fall are severe. Slip and falls are also the leading cause of brain injuries, even surpassing organized sports.

You may think it will never happen to you, but slip and falls are unfortunately a common occurrence. If you find yourself injured in a slip and fall, there are several things you should do immediately after the incident.

Here are 5 things you should do after a slip and fall accident:

Seek medical attention for your injuries. The sooner you can be evaluated and treated, the better. This is important not only for your health and safety, but also for establishing your case. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the establishment where you fell may try to claim that your injuries were unrelated to the fall.
Report the accident. Ensure the details of the incident are written down, and request a copy of the incident report.
Take photographs at the scene of the incident. Be sure to capture any conditions that contributed to the fall, such as wet floors or a defective staircase.
Take down witness statements. If anyone saw your fall, collect their statement and their contact information. If the establishment denies liability for your injuries, witness statements may become very important.
Refrain from saying too much at the scene. Don’t try to resolve the incident with the manager or property owner, and refrain from making any statements that suggest blame. Speak with an attorney before you communicate further with the establishment and/or their insurance company.

“A slip and fall accident can result in a variety of serious injuries, from fractures to concussions. If you are injured in a slip and fall, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a slip and fall and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.