A serious fall can happen anywhere at any time, whether it’s due to a wet floor or uneven pavement these incidents can lead injury. More than 8 million emergency room visits are because of slip and fall accidents.
To help avoid a slip and fall be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and wear shoes that fit well. What should you do after a fall?
Check for Injuries
Before moving from where you’ve landed take a minute to assess your condition and check for any injuries. Call for help if you’re hurt or unable to get up off the floor.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured, don’t wait around hoping you will get better, see a doctor. A doctor can accurately pinpoint your injury and give you professional advice on how to aid the healing process.
If a fall somewhere other than your home resulted in an injury these next steps apply to you.
Gather Information
Collect as much information on the location and any witnesses that were at the scene. This information should include their names, phone numbers and addresses in case you need to contact them later.
Document, Document, Document
Documentation is key to any negligence case. Take photos of the location where you fell as well as the path leading up to that spot. It’s important to take these pictures immediately as conditions may change. Also, be sure to fill out an accident report if you are at a business. Keep documentation of anything that may be related to your fall, including the shoes and clothes from the accident.
If your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help with your case.
