Common Mistakes People Make After a Slip and Fall Injury
Learn what to do after a slip and fall accident, what evidence to collect, and how to protect your right to compensation in Connecticut.
- September 24, 2022
- By McCoy & McCoy
Slip and fall accidents are far too common. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that over one million Americans suffer injuries due to slips or trips each year – and that 17,000 die as a result. Even if they survive, victims may experience considerable physical pain and mental trauma in the years or decades following these accidents. While slip-and-fall injury settlements provide at least a semblance of relief in the aftermath of an incident, they can’t automatically be counted on. Unfortunately, a variety of mistakes can have a devastating impact on the outcome of such cases, making it more difficult for victims to secure the damages they deserve. Below, we’re discussing what to do after a slip-and-fall injury and several common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Reporting the Accident to the Police or Property Management
It’s understandable to want to leave after a slip and fall, especially if you’re injured or shaken. However, leaving without reporting the incident could hurt your claim. Notify the property manager or supervisor that the accident occurred, but keep the conversation brief. Avoid giving detailed statements or discussing fault until you’ve spoken with a trusted slip and fall attorney, as even innocent comments may be used against you later. If appropriate, contact law enforcement so an official report can document the date, time, location, injuries, and other important details of the incident.
2. Failing to Provide Sufficient Documentation of the Fall
Proving that a slip-and-fall incident occurred can be surprisingly difficult, even if your injuries clearly match the stated circumstances of the accident. Evidence is key not only to verifying that you suffered a fall but also to demonstrating negligence. This can take many forms, including:
- Medical Records –Visit a hospital or clinic promptly. Your doctor can verify and treat your injuries while keeping meticulous records.
- Footage of the Accident – One of the most reliable and effective forms of evidence, video and photos can help you prove that the accident occurred on-premises. Additionally, footage may highlight the negligence that prompted the fall in the first place. For example, videos from a gas station or grocery store may reveal a spill that was not cleaned up quickly enough – followed by the fall that was bound to occur under such circumstances.
- Incident Reports – These may be completed by store personnel or other employees after your fall. They typically highlight the date and time of the accident, as well as other relevant details.
3. Failing to Gather Contact Information from Witnesses
Did anyone witness your fall? These individuals could provide a powerful testimony featuring detailed information of the circumstances surrounding your accident. Contact information (such as names, emails, and phone numbers) is critical so that you or your attorney can get in touch as needed. Without such information, it may prove virtually impossible to track down witnesses or even remember who was present in the first place. If you go through the trouble of securing contact information from witnesses, be sure to follow up with them quickly. The more time passes, the fuzzier their memories of the incident will be.
4. Not Taking Photos or Recording Videos
Photos can provide valuable evidence after a slip and fall. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including any hazards such as spills, ice, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or missing warning signs. Also photograph your injuries, clothing, and shoes if they show signs of the fall. If you’re unable to take pictures yourself, ask a friend or family member to help. Take photos as soon as possible, since dangerous conditions may be cleaned up or repaired shortly after the incident.
5. Skipping Doctor Appointments
Medical appointments might seem like a hassle, but they can make or break your slip and fall case. In addition to completing an initial assessment, continue to visit your doctor to monitor the progress of your recovery. Ongoing visits are particularly important for concussions, soft tissue injuries, and other sources of damage that may not be immediately evident in the aftermath of your fall. Some symptoms take several hours or even days to develop, and these should also be documented to demonstrate the lengthy nature of your recovery.
6. Assuming That the Location of Your Fall Doesn't Matter
While slip and fall cases are typically associated with retail premises, they can occur in a wide variety of locations. Falls on sidewalks and in properties managed by landlords are surprisingly common. These accidents should be thoroughly documented with photos and witness statements to ensure that the appropriate parties are held accountable. For example, falls that occur in the common space of an apartment complex may indicate negligence on the part of the landlord or property manager.
7. Waiting to Speak with a Slip and Fall Attorney
Prompt legal representation is key in the aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident. In the chaos surrounding the incident, you may struggle to remember the essentials highlighted above. However, your premises liability attorney can assist in collecting evidence while also reducing the risk of inadvertent self-incrimination. The sooner you contact a trusted legal representative, the better.
Injured in a Slip-And-Fall Accident?
Don’t hesitate to contact a Torrington slip and fall lawyer, Hartford slip and fall lawyer, or New Haven slip and fall lawyer at McCoy & McCoy if you were injured because of a dangerous property condition. Our attorneys proudly represent slip and fall victims throughout Connecticut and have successfully handled premises liability claims for more than 50 years. We personally investigate every case we accept, gather the evidence needed to prove liability, and fight for the full compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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