Being involved in a slip and fall is no laughing matter. They can cause serious injuries that need treatment. You may also be entitled to compensation. Below, you’ll learn what a slip and fall is and what you should do directly after one occurs as shared by a slip and fall lawyer.
This blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for legal advice. If you need legal advice, schedule an appointment with a licensed and experienced attorney who handles slip and fall cases.
What Is A Slip And Fall?
A slip and fall accident occurs when you slip or trip and fall onto the floor or the ground. They are generally the result of another person’s negligence. There are four prongs to proving negligence caused your slip and fall as our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can share:
- There Must Be A Duty Owed. For example, the milk cooler at the grocery store has a leak and there is a puddle of water or coolant on the floor. It is up to the store to clean this up, and it is only on them.
- The Duty Must Be Breached. Continuing with our example, the puddle hasn’t been mopped up and there isn’t an adequate warning. If there are no signs at least warning there is a spill, that is negligence on the store’s part.
- An Actual Injury Must Occur. For example, you hit your head on the hard floor or roll your ankle. You have to seek medical attention for your injuries — just a bruise is not enough to file one of these claims.
- It Passes The “But-For” Test. But-for the slippery spot on the floor, you would have fallen and hit your head.
What You Should Do Directly After The Slip And Fall
If you’re involved in a slip and fall, you should immediately:
- Report The Event. If you’re in a retail facility, ask to fill out an incident or accident report. You will need to get a manager or someone in a position of power to help document what happened.
- Use Your Cell Phone To Take Photos Of The Hazard. Slip and falls aren’t always easy to prove. Gather photos of where you fell, what caused you to slip or trip, and your injuries if possible. This is especially important if you fell over a clear liquid or something else that might be difficult to see. You can also take videos.
- Get Medical Care Right Away. Doing so can help you prove that the accident did cause an injury. Additionally, it is in your best interest to ensure that all issues are resolved by a medical professional as soon as possible so that nothing pops up later.
- Contact A Lawyer. Medical care is the most important thing to follow through on. Once that is done, it is time to contact a lawyer to represent your case. Reach out to an attorney near you as soon as possible.