With winter in full force here in St. Louis, sidewalks and other surfaces have become slippery and dangerous. What should you do if you or a loved one slips and falls? In addition to getting medically checked out, it is important to protect your legal rights. Here are a few key steps to take:
Get Checked Out: After a slip and fall, your main priority should be seeking immediate medical attention even if you don’t believe you were injured. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after a slip and fall. Make sure you inform your doctor of all of the details surrounding what happened before and during the slip, so that he or she can make an accurate assessment of your condition. While at the hospital or doctor’s office, gather any necessary documentation that verifies your injuries.
Take Pictures: Your camera is a powerful tool to document your experience and support your case if you pursue legal action. Take pictures of your injuries and the scene where you fell focusing on any hazards that caused you to slip and fall. Was the floor wet yet no sign was posted? What the sidewalk icy with not ice melt? You can even take a quick video of the scene. Also take pictures of your shoes at the scene of the accident and your clothing especially if there are rips or tears. Creating a record of the premises where you fell and any other physical evidence will help to prove the incident and possible liability.
Write it Down: Everyone’s memory fades over time and in stressful situations. It’s important to create a record of incident. Write down the date, time, and location of the fall. What happened when you fell? Were there any people who saw you fall? Witnesses who may have seen what happened as can be a valuable support. Are you in pain or limiting your daily actions? Writing down your experiences during and after your fall help to show the entirety of your experience and create an accurate account.
Report It: It is important to address the property owners or manager quickly and inform them that an accident has occurred on their property. If you fell at work, immediately alert your supervisor. It is also a good idea to complete an accident report form so that there is proof of what happened. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold the property owner responsible for your injuries. This means that documentation is powerful evidence when premises liability laws come into play.
If you have a slip and fall, please reach out to us at Donner Applewhite, 314-678-1176, so we can help assess your situation and advise you on how best to proceed with taking legal action.