A slip and fall accident can happen in seconds—but what happens after the fall can shape the entire outcome of a claim. Whether the incident occurs in a grocery store, restaurant, parking lot, or hotel, the steps taken immediately after the accident can help protect your health and preserve important evidence.
Here’s a simple, practical overview of what individuals commonly do following a slip and fall on a commercial property:
1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Getting medical attention is always the first priority. Even when injuries aren’t obvious at first, symptoms can worsen over the next few hours or days.
2. Report the Incident to Management
Commercial properties typically have procedures for documenting accidents. Filing a report creates a record that the fall occurred and may include details that are helpful later. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of the incident report!
3. Document the Scene
Photos and videos can help capture conditions that may change within minutes—such as spilled liquid, broken flooring, poor lighting, or missing warning signs. If possible, documenting the area right away can be extremely useful. Pictures and videos can memorialize what the area looked like immediately after the fall.
4. Gather Witness Information
If others saw the fall or the hazardous condition, their accounts can help establish what happened and support the timeline of events. It’s important to get their full names and contact information.
5. Keep Records of Symptoms and Expenses
Medical visits, prescriptions, lost time from work, and even journals describing symptoms all create a clearer picture of how the accident affected daily life.
6. Consider Speaking With a Professional
Slip and fall cases can involve complex questions about responsibility, notice, and safety standards. Consulting a professional can help individuals understand the process and how claims typically work.
The Law Office of Maria R. Alaimo helps individuals understand their rights after slip and fall accidents on commercial properties. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.
