What To Do If You Slip, Trip or Fall on Someone Else’s Property
Lately, the team at Genthe Law Firm has had a higher-than-normal amount of calls regarding victims of slip and fall accidents. As we gather information about the incident, we’ve noticed quite a few holes and missing pieces in the details received. Many victims of slip and fall accidents are unaware of the importance of gathering the appropriate information and the next steps. Let’s take a moment to dive into the top five steps after a slip and fall.
Most Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause severe injuries and should not be taken lightly. The most common injuries from a slip and fall accident include broken bones ( more specifically, hip and arm fractures), head trauma, and back and spine injuries. Even if you don’t feel your injuries are this severe, follow these guidelines to ensure you have the correct information should symptoms present themselves days later.
- Bruises and Contusions: These are often the mildest injuries and can occur anywhere on your body that impacts the ground or an object during the fall.
- Sprains and Strains: Ankles, wrists, and knees are particularly vulnerable to sprains and strains during falls, as the sudden loss of balance can cause unnatural twisting motions.
- Fractures: Wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures are common, especially in older adults. The force of the fall and the angle at which a person lands can lead to broken bones.
- Head Injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A direct impact on the head during a fall can be particularly dangerous.
- Back Injuries: Slips and falls can lead to spinal injuries, including herniated discs and even spinal cord damage, potentially resulting in long-term disability.
- Shoulder Injuries: This includes dislocations or a more complex injury known as a “brachial plexus injury,” which involves the network of nerves that send signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm, and hand.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp objects near the fall or the surface can cause cuts or lacerations during a slip and fall.
- Hip Fractures: These are particularly severe injuries often associated with older adults due to falls. Hip fractures frequently require surgery and can lead to significant health complications.
- Knee Injuries can involve damage to the ligaments or meniscus of the knee, which might require surgical intervention and extensive physical therapy.
- Tailbone or Coccyx Injuries: Falling directly onto the tailbone can be extremely painful and may result in prolonged discomfort or complications.
Top Five Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately.
A doctor’s examination will look for and treat your injury and document that you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident. Should you need to file a claim, this is the primary evidence. Do not waiver from your practitioner’s advice or miss appointments. This allows the opposing side to argue that you weren’t “really hurt” in the incident.
2. Take Photos
Photos, photos, photos! We can not stress this part enough. Take photos of your injuries and, if possible, the site of the fall and the surrounding environment. This aids in determining the cause of the accident. Let’s use a wet floor as an example of a slip-and-fall. Getting a wide shot of the area containing the hazard would show that the appropriate signage was not in place to warn a potential victim. This helps to place liability on the property owner and show possible negligence.
3. Keep records
Save all documents related to the accident. These documents include medical bills, records of other accident-related expenses, and correspondence with the property owner, their representatives, or staff. Write down what happened that day in your own words.
4. Do Not Accept Blame
It’s easy to want to apologize or create excuses for the accident. Genthe Law Firm encourages you not to speculate or accept blame. Do not place blame either, and refrain from giving any statements to the property owner’s insurance company until you have talked to your attorney.
5. Meet With A Lawyer
A lawyer experienced with slip-and-fall cases in Texas can provide valuable assistance after the incident. When a slip-and-fall injury is due to a property owner’s negligence, the injured party has a right to seek compensation for their losses. Genthe Law Firm zealously fights for the rights of its clients, and there are no fees unless you recover.