What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Story by Gregory Rouse
December 5, 2024

Slip and fall accidents are more common than many realize and can result in serious injuries, from broken bones to head trauma. These incidents account for 12% of total falls in the U.S. and over 1 million ER visits yearly.

Accidents like slipping on wet floors or tripping on uneven stairs can happen anywhere in Charleston, resulting in high medical bills and lost wages. Understanding the steps to take after a slip and fall can protect your health, rights, and ability to seek a fair settlement.

Discover what to do after a slip and fall accident and why working with a Charleston slip and fall accident attorney from Berly Rouse can help you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Put Your Health First: Visit a Medical Provider

After a slip and fall incident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious, get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, such as internal damage or head trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time without proper treatment.

Are you worried about unseen injuries? Getting a professional evaluation early on is crucial not only for your health but for your legal claim. Medical records from your doctor’s visit will provide evidence of your injuries and connect them directly to the accident.

Report the Accident to the Property Owner or Manager

Once you’ve addressed your immediate health concerns, the next step is to report the accident. Contact the property owner, manager, supervisor, or the police as soon as possible to report what happened. When making your report, include details like:

• Date and time of the accident
• Location where it happened
• What led to the fall
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Injuries you sustained
• Actions taken after the fall

Request a copy of the incident report and collect the contact information of the people you reported the accident to. Documenting this information can be helpful if you decide to seek compensation later.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

As soon as it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Your attorney can use this evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf. Not sure what counts as evidence? Here’s what you should focus on:

• Photograph the scene. Capture images of the area, highlighting hazardous conditions such as spills, uneven surfaces, broken tiles, or loose carpeting.

• Request security footage. Obtain any available camera footage that recorded the incident.

• Document environmental conditions. Note outdoor weather conditions such as rain or ice or other relevant factors at the time of the fall.

• Photograph injuries. Take pictures of any visible injuries sustained during the fall.

• Preserve clothing and footwear. Keep the clothing and footwear worn at the time of the accident to show the severity of the incident.

• Capture warning signs. Take pictures showing the absence of warning signs at the location.

Avoid Giving Statements to the Insurance Company

Soon after your slip and fall accident, you may be contacted by the insurance company representing the property owner. Avoid making statements or agreeing to a settlement before consulting a slip and fall lawyer. Insurance adjusters often focus on reducing payouts, and any statements you make could be used against you in your case.

Instead, provide only the basic facts and let your attorney handle communication with the insurance company. At Berly Rouse, our experienced team will protect your rights and negotiate with the property owner’s insurer to help you receive a fair settlement offer based on the details of your case.

Keep Detailed Records of Your Medical Treatment

From the moment you seek medical attention, it’s essential to maintain detailed records of your medical treatment. Keep copies of all medical bills, prescription receipts, and appointment summaries. Document your symptoms and how your injury impacts your daily life, including your ability to work or engage in normal activities.

These records will be vital when seeking financial support for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering in your slip and fall case.

Be Cautious With Social Media

After a slip and fall accident, be careful about what you post on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your accounts for posts that could be used to undermine your claim. For instance, a photo of you participating in physical activities, even if unrelated to your injury, could be misinterpreted as proof that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.

To protect your case, avoid posting about the accident or your injuries online, and request that friends and family do the same.

Contact a Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall cases often involve complex premises liability laws. Successfully addressing these situations requires clear evidence showing that the property owner was aware of the hazard and failed to take appropriate measures to maintain a safe environment.

A knowledgeable slip and fall lawyer can provide crucial support for your case. At Berly Rouse, our qualified attorneys have years of experience handling these cases. We understand local slip and fall statutes and can gather the evidence to prove negligence and win you the settlement you deserve.

Protect Your Rights After a Slip and Fall Accident

Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident can protect your health and your legal rights. From seeking immediate medical attention to documenting the accident and working with a qualified attorney, these steps are essential in pursuing compensation for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Charleston, our team at Berly Rouse can represent your interests, whether negotiating with insurers or presenting your case to a judge and jury. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Categories: Slip and Fall