What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Winter is approaching, and with it an increase in slip and fall accidents due to icy and wet conditions. A bad slip and fall accident can lead to serious, even permanent injuries, which involves not only substantial medical expenses, but time lost from work or even job loss. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises in safe condition, but whether they are liable in the event of a slip and fall accident depends on the circumstances. If you are hurt in a slip and fall accident, taking the following steps after the incident can bolster your claim and help you receive compensation for your injuries.

Document the Accident

If possible, use your smartphone to take photos and video of the accident scene. Take photos of your injuries, if possible. For example, if you fell on a wet floor in a supermarket, and there were no warning signs or cordoned off areas, proof that store management was negligent can help your case. If you are not in any condition to record the incident, ask a relative or friend to go to the scene and take photos as soon as possible. Write down or record exactly what happened immediately. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information.

Follow Procedures

If your fall occurred in a place of business or on its premises, report it to the manager right away. You may need to fill out an accident report. If the fall occurred on public property, report it to the governing body, such as city hall or the county. Avoid making any statements indicating you are partly at-fault for the slip and fall. Also, make note of any statements made by store management or personnel. The same holds true if someone mentions they were aware of the conditions, such as they knew there was a spill in the supermarket aisle, but no one had cleaned it up.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

If you are hurt after a slip and fall, seeking prompt medical attention is usually not a matter of choice. Not only could you exacerbate your injury but failing to go to the hospital or doctor right away can harm your claim. The insurance company may allege that the injury did not occur due to the fall on its client’s premises, but that it may have happened elsewhere.

Along with your diagnosis and medical records, keep receipts for all related treatment expenses, including any required prescriptions or transportation to and from health care providers. Follow the doctor’s treatment plan as failure to follow doctor’s orders, such as going to physical therapy, gives the insurance company the opportunity to claim your injuries are not that serious.

Camden Slip and Fall Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims Obtain Compensation

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident, you need the services of the experienced Camden slip and fall lawyers at DiTomaso Law. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-414-0010 today. Located in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we provide legal services for clients throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Vineland, Mt. Holly, and Camden County.