What to do Immediately After a Slip and Fall

 Posted on September 29, 2021 in Personal Injury

In Illinois, the owner or manager of any given premises has a duty to keep the area safe for anyone who is allowed to enter. This means that the floors should be safe to walk on, but this is not always the case. After a slip and fall injury, there are a few steps you can take immediately to protect your legal right to receive compensation. If you or your loved one is injured then getting prompt medical care is the number one priority. It is also critical to document the accident as soon as it happens. If possible, call a lawyer from the scene so he or she can guide you through the next steps. Otherwise, these guidelines may be helpful to you.

Steps You Can Take After a Slip and Fall

If emergency medical care is needed, that always takes precedence. Getting proper documentation and contacting an attorney are the next priorities. Here are some steps you can take right away after a slip and fall:

• Get Medical Care - Do not try to get up right away if you may have injured your neck or back. Wait for EMTs to arrive. Get a thorough medical examination. Have all your injuries treated and documented?

• Take Pictures - Use your cell phone camera to photograph the spot you fell. Try to capture images of the surface you slipped on. If a spill or wet spot caused the fall, photograph it before it can be cleaned up. Also, take photos of the surrounding area. This could show a dangerous condition such as the absence of a “wet floor” sign that could help your case.

• Get it in Writing - If you fell in a retail establishment, like a grocery store or mall, find a manager. Ask them to take an incident report describing what happened. Be careful when speaking to the manager - do not admit any fault. For example, do not say things like “I was not paying attention to where I was walking.”

• Take Notes - Jot down details of the accident as soon as possible. Get contact information from any witnesses. Note the exact time that you fell. Also, make note of what shoes you were wearing - this could be important later.

• Do Not Settle - Sometimes, a store manager or other person responsible for the premises will make an immediate cash offer. Never accept this offer without speaking to an attorney.

• Call a Lawyer - Calling a lawyer as swiftly as possible after a slip and fall is the best way to protect yourself.

Call a DuPage County Personal Injury Lawyer

After getting emergency medical care where needed, calling a Bloomingdale Personal Injury Lawyer is the most important thing to do after a slip and fall injury. It is best to make the call before speaking to anyone else about the accident. An experienced and compassionate lawyer with the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices will guide you through the entire process of recovering compensation for your injuries after a slip and fall injury. You pay nothing until we recover monetary compensation for you. Call 630-932-9100 as soon as possible after a slip and fall for a free consultation.