Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident can mean the difference between winning compensation and having the insurer deny your claim. Regardless of whether you suffer injuries in a business, public place, or in your friend’s home, follow these steps:

1. Prioritize Your Health

Getting the medical care you need should always be your top priority. If you need emergency care, have a friend complete this list or do what you can while you wait for first responders to arrive.

You should see your doctor or visit the nearest emergency department as soon as possible, even if you do not think you suffered injuries. Many serious injuries — including some head and back injuries — do not appear for several hours or even days after a fall.

Getting medical attention as soon as possible also creates a medical record that will link your injuries to the fall if you need to file a claim.

2. Determine Why You Fell

Carefully look around the area. In many cases, the cause of the fall is evident. Spilled food or drink in a restaurant, tracked-in rainwater, loose carpeting, and broken handrails are all common causes. Identifying this hazard will play a key role in assigning liability if you need to file an insurance claim to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

3. Get Contact Information from Witnesses

Collect the name, address, and phone number of anyone who saw you fall or came to help. Do not worry about asking what they saw, or if they can verify your version of the accident. Simply have them write down their information, give you a business card, or save their contact information on your phone.

When business or property owners dispute claims, these witnesses play a vital role in preventing the case from simply being your word against the owners.

Our lawyers will interview eyewitnesses for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

4. Document the Scene

Document the scene by taking pictures with your cell phone. If necessary, have a friend or bystander take as many pictures as possible of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Staff members often clean hazards such as tracked-in water or spilled food before first responders arrive. This means your images could be the only documentation that there was, indeed, a hazard.

5. Follow Proper Reporting Procedures

Most businesses have a procedure in place for reporting slip and fall accidents and other similar incidents. These reports can actually support your claim in several ways, so it is important to report your fall to management.

Most companies do not require you to do anything besides provide your name and contact information. If you do not need an ambulance, do not tell them that you did not suffer injuries. Instead, tell them you will see a doctor as soon as possible.

6. Discuss Your Case with a Fort Lauderdale Slip and Fall Attorney

If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall, you should schedule a time to discuss your legal options with a Fort Lauderdale premises negligence attorney as soon as possible. When you slip and fall at a Fort Lauderdale business, in a public place, or in a private home, you may be eligible to file a third-party insurance claim to receive compensation to cover your medical treatment and other losses. There are, however, time limits on this type of claim. Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a) gives you four years to file a claim in most situations. If the fall occurred on municipal, state, or federal property, the deadline for sending notice of your injuries could be as short as 30 days from the fall.

Additional Steps to Strengthen Your Slip and Fall Claim

After a slip and fall accident, taking immediate and appropriate actions is essential. However, beyond the initial steps, there are additional measures you can take to strengthen your claim and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. The following steps provide a comprehensive approach to documenting and preserving evidence, ensuring your claim is as robust as possible.

7. Maintain a Detailed Journal

Keeping a detailed journal can be crucial for your slip and fall claim. Document your daily symptoms, medical appointments, and any conversations with insurance adjusters or property owners. This information can help establish the impact of your injuries on your daily life and support your claim for compensation.

8. Preserve Evidence

Preserving evidence is critical. Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall, as they might have traces of the hazardous substance that caused your fall. Additionally, retain any physical evidence, such as broken parts of the floor or stairs.

9. Avoid Social Media

Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries on social media. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ social media accounts for any evidence that contradicts their injury claims. A seemingly harmless post can be used against you to undermine your case.

10. Consult with a Specialist

Consulting with a specialist, such as a neurologist or orthopedist, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your injuries. Their expert opinions and detailed reports can significantly bolster your claim and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

11. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

Adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan is essential. Failing to follow medical advice can be used against you by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Attend all follow-up appointments and complete any recommended therapies.

Contact Coffey McPharlin for an Appointment Today

The Fort Lauderdale premises liability lawyers at Coffey McPharlin offer free initial consultations, allowing you to learn more about the legal options available to you after a fall. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and the potential value of your claim.

We take the time to listen to your story, gather essential evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our team is committed to providing personalized legal representation, focusing on your unique situation and needs.

Don’t wait to seek the compensation you deserve. Slip and fall cases have time-sensitive elements, and early legal intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Call us today at 954-541-3194 to schedule your appointment.