5 Things to Know About a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident occurs when a person slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property as a result of a dangerous or hazardous condition. It includes falls caused by water, ice, snow, uneven flooring, poor lighting, or a hidden hazard like a hole in the ground. These types of accidents can be extremely serious, resulting in back, head, and neck injuries that can produce lifelong pain and health issues. Here are five things to keep in mind if you or a love one is involved in a slip and fall accident.

1. Immediately get help. Not only do you want to get necessary medical assistance on the scene as fast as possible, you need to let an employee or property owner know want happened so you can establish a record of the incident.
2. Do not provide the insurance company with any kind of recorded statement. Claims adjusters often try to get the injured person to agree to a recorded question and answer session over the telephone. Do not let yourself be talked into this, as you have nothing to gain and a lot to lose by it. You probably don’t know the details or extent of your injuries yet, or even the basic facts of what happened and why. Don’t get locked into a premature statement on the record.
3. Follow through in necessary medical treatments and follow-up visits. While some people avoid going to the doctor or physical therapist at all costs, this is emphatically not the course you want to take after a slip and fall accident. Not only do you need to make sure your injuries are properly treated for the sake of your health, not following the advice of your doctors can make the insurance company suspicious that your injuries are not as serious as you’re claiming.
4. Make notes throughout the process. First, write down everything you can remember and learn about the injury itself. Then keep track of your physician visits and all medical treatments, and the daily status of your injuries. Also keep track of any loss of wages due to an inability to work.
5. Stay off of social media. Thoughtless updates on Facebook or Instagram can be disastrous for personal injury litigation. Don’t do the opposing side’s job for them.