Slip and fall accidents are common, especially with older, less agile individuals. The effects of falls can be dangerous, ranging from nerve injuries to fractures and even death. These accidents happen unexpectedly and can have traumatic and financial implications. As a result, it’s important to know how to handle falls in public and private organizations. This article explains all the necessary steps to take after a slip and fall accident.
Check for Physical Injuries
On average, Hawaii records 2,700 hospitalizations each year resulting from falls. Slippery floors, poor lighting, and obstacles on walking paths are common reasons people slip. If this happens to you, examine your body for signs of physical injuries, such as bleeding, bruises, swelling, and pain. Attempt to get up if you’re able to do so, but if you’re in severe pain or feel dizzy, perform breathing exercises and call for help.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek urgent medical attention after a slip and fall. Depending on the severity of your injury, you can visit the hospital or wait for the emergency medical service (EMS) to arrive. You’ll need a medical professional to run scans and check for internal injuries. Keep all medical reports, as they’ll serve as evidence in your lawsuit.
Report the Slip and Fall Accident to the Organization
Contact the person in charge of the property as soon as possible. Giving a factual report provides an official record of the accident. Complete the filing process with the organization and collect a copy of the report before leaving. Your copy of the report serves as proof that you informed an executive official of the incident. They may refuse to honor your request, so record the conversation if possible.
Document the Scene
For a slip and fall case to qualify for a personal injury claim, you must prove the fault of the property owner or manager. The best way to prove fault is to gather visual evidence. Take pictures and videos of the place where you slipped and fell.
When taking snapshots, capture details that show the cause of your accident. For example, you can make a video showing a wet floor, a non-functional light bulb, or an unsecured rug. Ensure that whatever you capture causes your fall.
Collect Information From Witnesses
Witnesses are valuable as they provide a third-party account of the incident. They can testify to the circumstances of the accident, so get their contact details. If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, a witness can confirm the presence of a hazard that caused you to fall.
Keep Important Evidence
Evidence helps to build your case. In addition to documenting the crime scene, you should keep copies of official and medical reports and bills. Your clothes are also important, as they show stains, tears, and other damage from the fall. So, keep the clothing you wore during the accident in a transparent polythene bag.
Discuss With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Discussing with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights. Attorneys in Hawaii offer free consultation sessions where you can discuss the specifics of your case. A personal injury lawyer will analyze your evidence and determine your case’s validity. They’ll then explain the possible compensation options and guide you through filing a lawsuit. With a good lawyer, you can be sure of getting justice.
Endnote
A slip and fall often has severe consequences. If you experience this type of accident, check for injuries, get medical help, and file an internal report. You should also document the scene, collect witnesses’ contact details, and keep all evidence. Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case.
