Do you know what type of injury is ranked as the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits in the country?
Falls.
That’s right; falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits annually. That’s over 21% of visits! Slip and fall accidents, on the other hand, account for over 1 million visits, or 12% of falls.
Maybe you slipped on wet floor at work or trip over an exposed wire. Either way, there’s a chance you’re not at fault! It all depends on the next steps you take following your slip on the floor.
Here’s what you need to do after a slip at work. By taking these steps, you can receive the compensation you’re due. Make a case for yourself with these easy tips.
- Look Around
Immediately after you slip on the floor, take a breath. Try to remain level-headed and composed as you follow these next steps. Otherwise, you might miss something.
It’s important to look around and gather evidence immediately following your fall. Otherwise, you might leave and miss something. An employer might also fix the problem that caused your slip at work in the first place.
Can you tell what caused you to slip? Look for wet floor signs, wet tile, or maybe uneven tiers on the stairs.
If there’s an obstruction like water or wires, make a note of it. Try to determine what causes your slip at work before you leave the scene.
If you can, take photos of the area. You’ll need to gather photo evidence, especially if you go to trial. Photo evidence will help a jury visualize the scene and provide hard evidence for your case.
Take photos of where you fell and the surrounding area. You’ll also want photos of the flooring nearby. If you’ve determined what caused the fall, take photos of that, too.
Did anyone witness you slip at work? They might benefit your case by providing a firsthand account of what happened. Make sure to get everyone’s contact information and a brief statement from them.
You can then provide your lawyer with this information and have them gather official statements from any witnesses.
- Record Everything
In the days and weeks after your slip on the floor, you might start to forget little details. That’s normal. To avoid forgetting anything important, start making a record as soon as possible.
Taking notes on your phone or on paper will help you avoid forgetting any essential details about your fall.
First, write down what you were doing right before the accident. Where were you headed? What time and day was it?
Record how you felt before you slipped and what you think caused the slip and fall.
As you gather notes and documents (including medical reports later on), make sure to keep everything in one place. Don’t forget to include the photos you took and the contact information from your witnesses, too.
You can also save the clothes and shoes you were wearing as evidence. In fact, your lawyer might want you to save your clothes for the sake of your case.
- Visit a Doctor
Don’t wait to seek medical attention. Almost 700 workers died from slip and fall accidents. In some cases, your injury might provide more severe than you realized, especially if adrenaline is masking the pain.
After slipping on wet floor, visit a doctor. They’ll make sure you’re healthy, safe, and haven’t sustained serious injuries. They’ll also determine and record any injuries you’ve developed as a result of your fall.
A doctor’s official medical report will help strengthen your case. In fact, it’s an essential piece of evidence for proving premises liability.
If you fail to visit a doctor, the defense might say you made up your injuries. They could also argue that you sustained your injuries elsewhere. Having a doctor’s official report and statement will help your attorney prove otherwise.
- Make It Official
It’s not enough to gather evidence on your own and visit a doctor. You’ll also need to file an accident report immediately after you slip and fall. It doesn’t matter where it happens; you still need to file a report.
After a slip at work, make sure to speak with your manager or employer. If you slipped at a store, restaurant, or other location, speak with a manager or owner.
Make sure they take your statement, including all the details regarding what happened and your injuries. It’s important you avoid embellishing. Instead, focus on the relevant details.
Then, request a copy of that report before you leave.
It’s important to have someone else complete this official report for you. That way, you’re showing the business owner and others involved that you’re serious about what happened.
Don’t forget to keep the copy of your report along with your other documents.
- Call a Lawyer
In order to prove negligence in a premise liability case, you’re going to need a qualified lawyer. Otherwise, you’ll end up responsible for paying off medical bills and lost wages. Hiring an experienced, qualified slip and fall lawyer in Hamilton will ensure the right person is fighting at your side.
Any business involved in a slip and fall case will want to pay as little as possible. An insurance company will also want to avoid a big payout. Working with a lawyer will ensure you have someone capable of handling these negotiations and strengthening your case.
Make sure the lawyer you work with is experienced in premise liability cases. Their prior experience will help maximize your compensation.
- Avoid Negativity
Your lawyer will help you develop a plan moving forward. Chances are, they’ll suggest you avoid further communication with the business’ manager or property owner.
In the meantime, make sure to avoid downplaying your injuries, placing blame, or posting about the accident online.
Defer any questions from an insurance adjuster about the accident to your lawyer.
What to Do If You Slip on the Floor: Take These Steps
Now that you know what to do if you slip on the floor, you can build a case for yourself. Otherwise, you might really slip up and fail to make a strong case. Don’t forget to hire a qualified lawyer who has your best interest in mind.
With these six steps, you can cover your medical bills with compensation from your case.
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