Suffering a slip and fall accident can be physically and financially burdensome. Whether it happens in a business establishment or someone’s home, these incidents are often the result of preventable circumstances. In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential steps to take if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on preventing these accidents in the first place.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can be both physically and financially devastating. The Centers for Disease Control reveals that the average hospital cost of a slip and fall injury exceeds $30,000, emphasizing the significance of these incidents.
How Significant are Slip and Fall Injuries?
- Slip: Occurs when there’s insufficient friction between your feet and the walking surface.
- Fall: Results from a slip when an irregular body movement disrupts balance.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), slip and falls account for 14% of accidental deaths. In 2017, falls were the third leading cause of death for Alabama workers, highlighting their gravity.
Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries
Before delving into the steps to take after a slip and fall accident, let’s explore proactive measures to avoid such incidents:
- Wear Proper Footwear: Choose fitted, comfortable footwear with good traction to ensure stable footing.
- Post Signs: Alert others to hazards by posting safety signs in areas prone to slips and falls. These signs remind everyone to exercise caution.
- Keep a Tidy Space: Maintain clear pathways by removing cords, boxes, and other obstructions. Promptly clean up spills to prevent accidents, as falls are responsible for 8 million emergency room visits yearly.
- Proper Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for identifying potential trip hazards. If lighting is inadequate, use a flashlight or alternate light source to guide your path.
- Eliminate Slippery Surfaces: If you’re responsible for an area, promptly clean and dry wet or slippery surfaces to prevent falls. Exercise caution while cleaning—walk, don’t run.
Six Things to Do if You Are Injured in a Slip & Fall Accident
Keep Your Wits: If you suffer a slip and fall injury, it is understandable to feel disoriented and in pain. However, it is crucial to keep your wits and remain calm to assess the situation. This step is essential for various reasons. First, it allows you to determine the extent of your injuries and know if you need immediate medical attention. Additionally, assessing the situation helps you identify any hazards that may have caused your fall, such as a wet floor or loose carpet. Keeping your wits also enables you to collect vital information, such as the names of witnesses and the establishment’s contact information. These details can come in handy if you need to file a personal injury claim.- Document Evidence: To ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, documenting evidence is crucial. By preserving details about the hazard that caused your fall, you are providing concrete evidence for your case. Collecting witness information, taking photos and videos, and obtaining security footage if available can all be extremely helpful in establishing liability.
- Get Medical Treatment: A slip and fall injury can happen when you least expect it and can cause significant harm to your health. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, irrespective of the severity of your injuries. By visiting a physician, you can receive an expert examination to reveal hidden injuries and receive the necessary treatment recommendations. It’s also essential to keep detailed records of all medical bills related to your injury to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Report the Accident: One of the most important steps to take following a slip and fall injury is to report the accident. If it occurs at a business, notifying management is crucial. Alternatively, if it happens in a residence, inform the property owner. Doing so will create a record of the incident, which is important for insurance purposes and any legal proceedings that may result. It’s critical to remember not to discuss fault, as this can complicate matters and create further issues.
- Know Your Rights: After reporting the accident, it’s crucial to avoid discussions with insurance representatives or adjusters from the other party. Despite what they may say, these individuals are not on your side and their goal is not to ensure your well-being. It’s important to not provide recorded or written statements or sign any documents from the other party or their insurance company. Doing so could potentially harm your case and limit your ability to receive the compensation you deserve. Rather than making potentially costly mistakes, it’s wise to seek professional services from a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
- Contact an Attorney: Seeking guidance from qualified personal injury attorneys is the first step towards ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. At Timberlake & League, our experienced team of attorneys understands the complexities of personal injury cases like slip and falls and we have a proven track record of success. We will evaluate your case, gather all necessary information, and determine the best course of action on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve while also providing you with a sense of peace and security during a difficult time.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, it’s important to keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations. This means that there is a limited amount of time in which you can file your claim, so it’s essential to consult a skilled attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines.
We understand that filing a personal injury claim can be an emotional and intimidating process, particularly if the incident occurred in a location where you have personal or emotional connections. However, it’s important to prioritize your legal rights and not let these attachments hold you back from seeking the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced professionals is here to support you throughout the process and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, please reach out to Timberlake & League. We are dedicated to helping you through the complexities of personal injury claims and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Your well-being and rights matter to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
