10 Dos and Don’ts After a Slip and Fall Injury

August 7, 2017

Slip and fall accidents can be very serious. They can cause life-altering personal injuries and sometimes even lead to death. The most unfortunate part of slip and fall accidents is that they are often avoidable, but caused merely because of someone’s negligence to properly tend to a duty or procedure. Because of this, there could be possible compensation for your injury.

Keep in mind, however, that your compensation will be at someone else’s expense, and the person on the other side is likely to fight hard so that they do not have to pay. Because of this, it is important that you are aware of the dos and don’ts after a fall so that you receive no less than what you deserve for your pain and suffering.

DOs

1. DO: Get Medical Help

Your health, safety, and overall well-being should be your top priority. Be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible, both to treat visible injuries and to be checked for any less obvious injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury.

2. DO: Record the Doctor’s Statements

Once the doctor checks you out, be sure to get a copy of any of her notes or statements. These notes will not only be important to your recovery, but they will also be of great value to your attorney.

3. DO: Contact an Attorney

Once you are treated, it is time to call an attorney. There will be plenty of work to do if you choose to pursue the compensation you deserve. It would be of great benefit for you to have an attorney who is willing to take this burden off of your shoulders. An attorney will know how to deal with the managers and insurance companies in a way that best serves your interests.

4. DO: Allow Your Attorney to Do the Talking

As mentioned, an attorney is an educated expert in the field, and it is important that you step back and treat him as such. Opposing attorneys and insurance companies are trained to get you to say anything that might lessen the amount that they have to pay you. Therefore, it is important that you allow your attorney to be your spokesperson so that you do not fall into a trap that ends up working against your best interests.

5. DO: Give an Injury Report to the Landlord or Manager

It is important that a manager or landlord is made aware of the accident.  Be sure that you write an accident report to the manager, and include where you fell. Do not leave the office until you have a signed copy of this report.

6. DO: Keep All Possible Evidence

Anything that could have played a role in your slip and fall injury should be kept as evidence. Be sure to take pictures of any bruises or wounds on your body from the fall. Also, save the clothes you were wearing that day, and take pictures of the scene where the accident occurred.

DON’Ts

7. DON’T: Speak with the Landlord or Manager of the Property Directly About the Incident

With the exception of asking the manager to sign the report, you should not tell her anything about the accident. If the manager has any questions about the slip and fall accident or about her own liability in the case, direct her to call your attorney.

8. DON’T: Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement

This applies to both your insurance company and the business’s. You have no legal obligation to give any detailed report to any insurance company. If they insist, direct them to your attorney as well.

9. DON’T: Update Your Followers

No matter how much you want to share your news, it is absolutely crucial that your injury remains off of all forms of social media. Anything that you say or post on the Internet can, and likely will, be held against you in the case.

10. DON’T: Settle for Less Than What You Deserve

In any personal injury case, you only get to accept one settlement for your injuries and damages. That means that if you accept the insurance company’s first offer and realize your injuries are more severe and require more treatment down the line, you won’t be able to go back to them and ask for more money. You get one settlement, and that’s it. Make sure you consult with an attorney if the insurance company makes you an offer so you can determine whether or not it sufficiently covers your injuries and damages.

Slip and fall injuries are unfortunate, and many times even tragic. Let our Indiana personal injury attorneys be there for you every step of the way. Call Hensley Legal Group today for a free consultation, or contact us online.