5 Key Steps that You Should Take After Suffering a Slip and Fall

You were planning a much anticipated dinner with your husband, running all of your errands, rushing to the grocery store and arranging the babysitter for your children. But as soon as you walked into the grocery store, things took a turn for the worse. It was one of those instances where the grocery store floor was still wet from the janitor mopping it earlier that day. In an instant, you started slipping and sliding. No matter how much you tried to regain your balance quickly there was nothing you could do. Before you knew it, you were in pain and agony on the floor. What should you do now?

If you ever suffer a slip and fall accident, this blog will be your greatest resource. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 important steps that you should take after suffering a slip and fall accident.

Make Sure It’s Reported

We know that in the moment, you will probably thinking of a way to get to a hospital. However, there are some crucial steps that should be taken right away… even before you seek medical attention. First things first, make sure that the accident is reported to the owner of the store or building that you happen to me in. This person could be a small business owner or the landlord of an apartment building depending on your scenario. Make it clear that you fell and you want a report drawn up that you both can sign detailing the unfortunate incident. Without this first step, it could just be your word against the owner of the store. So don’t just report the incident; make sure you report it to the right person. This is crucial and will help you later in the process.

Collect Some Clues

After you report the fall to a manager, make sure you collect as many clues as possible. If you have a camera phone handy, take pictures of the store… specifically the area where you fell. Or better yet, take a video that shows the wet floor and canvas the area to show that there are no signs anywhere that specify that customers should be careful because the floor is wet. In essence, these are the detailed clues that will show negligence on behalf of the store owner. By taking a variety of photos and video clips and writing down the names and numbers of any witnesses, you will only be bolstering your case if you decide to take it to the courts. Many would argue that this is the most important step of them all.

Seek Medical Attention

Obviously if you’re in intense pain and you’re badly injured, this step is often escalated to the top of the list. Getting medical attention is extremely important for various reasons. First off, your health comes first. So even if you don’t think you need to see a doctor, you definitely should after a slip and fall accident. Secondly, seeing a doctor is crucial so that your injuries are documented by a professional. When it comes to the court of law it’s always better to prove an injury with medical proof than to simply state that you were injured. If you can, seek medical attention right away and be as detailed oriented as possible.

Find A Good Lawyer

Once you decide that you want to pursue compensation in a slip and fall case, it’s essential that you find a quality lawyer to represent you right away. Why do you need a lawyer? Well, quality personal injury lawyers have the expertise and know-how needed to give you proper guidance and representation in court. For instance, if you get injured at work in a slip and fall, you may need to file two separate claims: a worker’s compensation claim and a law suit against a third party. This is where having an experienced lawyers comes into play. With the right personal injury attorney on your side, you won’t have to worry about whether or not you are handling things the right way.

Exercise Patience

With slip and fall accidents, it’s important that you remain calm and trust the process. If you are brutally injured, do your best to relax and let your body heal. We understand that it can be incredibly frustrating to be out of work and unable to do all of the things that contribute to your ready quality of life while you heal. However, if you stay optimistic and the believe that your personal injury attorney will get you your entitled benefits and compensation; the entire situation will seem a lot less stressful.