What to Do — and Not Do — After a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall can happen unexpectedly, leaving you disoriented and injured more than you know. Such accidents often result in fractures, sprains, head injuries and back or spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have long-term consequences, so it’s important to take them seriously. 

Knowing the right actions to take and to avoid immediately afterward is important for your health and for any potential legal claims you might pursue. Here’s a brief summary:

• Don’t try to get up — After a fall, your first instinct might be to stand up quickly. However, it’s essential to remain calm and still. Trying to get up too soon could exacerbate any injuries, especially if you used one of your hands to try to break the fall. 
• Assess your injuries — While staying on the ground, take inventory of any pain or discomfort. Even if you think your injuries are minor, adrenaline may mask pain from certain injuries.
• Don’t make statements that could be used against you — Avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as downplaying your injuries or admitting fault. Insurance companies and defense lawyers can try to use these statements against you to reduce or deny your claim.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager — Notify whoever is in charge of the premises about the accident. Request that they create an incident report and give you a copy. 
• Document the scene — If you are able, take photos and videos of the scene. Capture the hazardous condition that led to your fall, such as a wet floor, poor lighting or uneven surface. 
• Gather witness contact information — If anyone was present when you fell, obtain their contact information. Witnesses can provide statements that support your version of events, which can be valuable in a legal claim.
• Don’t sign anything, not even the incident report — Do not sign any documents provided by the property owner or manager. This includes the incident report, which could contain waiver language that limits your ability to pursue a claim.
• Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt — Whether you feel immediate pain or not, seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can identify injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, such as concussions or internal bleeding. 
• Write your own account of the accident — As soon as possible, write down the details about where, when and how the fall occurred, as well as any conversations you had with witnesses or property management. This account can help refresh your memory and assist in your first meeting with your attorney.
• Don’t post on social media about the accident — Refrain from discussing your accident on social media. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ social media accounts for posts that can be used against them. Even a seemingly innocent comment can be taken out of context.accident
• Consult with a qualified personal injury attorney — An experienced slip and fall accident lawyer can investigate the incident, determine the parties responsible, obtain expert evaluations of your injuries, and negotiate a fair settlement or pursue a lawsuit if necessary.

The skilled attorneys at Feinberg & Alban PC in Boston have an established record in winning compensation for slip and fall accidents throughout Massachusetts. Call us at 617-232-5950 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.