Five Things You Must Do If You have A Slip And Fall Accident

If you are injured by a fall on someone’s property, you may have a claim for compensation, which would include your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The most common causes of fall down accidents are ice and snow, unsafe stairs or steps, slippery or wet floors, and unmarked tripping hazards.

If you are injured in a fall, I recommend as a slip and fall lawyer that you take the steps shown below to protect your rights and to preserve evidence of what caused the fall.

• Take pictures of the snow ice or other condition that caused you to fall. Make sure to take multiple photographs of the exact cause of the fall, as well as additional photographs that shows the area around the cause of the fall. For example, if you take a picture of just a patch of ice, it may be difficult later on to determine exactly where that patch of ice was located. However, if you take photos that show the patch of ice in relation to a sidewalk or a building, for example, then it will be easier to determine the exact location of the ice.
• Make a prompt report of the fall. if you are taken from the scene in an ambulance because of your injuries, then the EMS responders will prepare report that usually identifies the location and circumstances of the fall. If an ambulance is not called, however, you should be sure to inform the store manager, homeowner, or other responsible person of what happened as soon as possible. If the fall happens in a store or other commercial space, management will usually make a report of the incident as part of their business practices.
• Get the name and contact information of any witnesses. If anyone saw you fall, or helped you up, be sure to get the name and contact information for the witness. This may be important later on if there is a question as to how or where the accident happened.
• Request copies of any surveillance video from the place where you fell, or the surrounding area. Surveillance cameras have become more and more common, both for businesses and for private homes. You should request that all video be preserved, and document your request in writing.
• Get prompt medical treatment. Be sure to get prompt medical treatment for your injuries and be sure to let your medical provider know that the cause of the injuries was a fall. Caution: many times medical personnel will write down incorrect information as to how the accident happened. Make sure that you explain the circumstances very clearly, and that it is correctly noted in your medical record.

At the Law Offices of John J. LaCava, our lawyers have handled and litigated many cases involving slip and falls on both public and private property. These types of cases are known as “premises liability cases.” We have won substantial compensation for our clients in cases involving falls from ice and snow, defective stairs, poorly maintained sidewalks, poor lighting and other causes. Call today for a FREE consultation regarding your slip and fall case. We have offices in Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport, Connecticut.