Slip and Fall? 5 Steps to Take BEFORE Contacting a Property Liability Attorney

Slip and fall accidents are perhaps some of the most common types of premise liability cases (an area of the law that deals with personal injury due to an unsafe or defective condition on another person's or company's property).

Before it is too late, read up on what you should do after you have suffered a slip or fall – but before you contact a property liability attorney.

1. Call the Manager On Duty

Before doing anything else, contact the manager on duty (or have someone contact him or her) and inform the manager of your slip and fall.

It is important to get an authority figure on the scene as soon as possible. Not only will this person be able to take steps related to the company's policy on handling property liability cases such as slip and fall accidents, but he or she will also be able to provide some of the information you will need to present to your attorney or, in some cases, to the court.

2. Have the Manager Complete an Accident Report

Next, request the manager complete an accident or incident report that includes all the details of your slip and fall. Be as thorough as possible when providing answers to the manager and do not be too shy to ask to add information where possible. The more details and information, the better.

Also, be sure to request a copy of the report before the manager leaves the scene.

3. Photograph the Accident Scene

Whenever possible, photograph the scene of the accident. Even if the manager photographs the accident scene, you should get your own pictures, too. Make sure you take photos from all angles and catch any factors that might have contributed to your accident such as a wet floor or puddles on the floor; loose carpet, rugs, or tiles.

4. Gather Witness Names and Contact Information

Gather the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the slip and fall and is willing to give a statement. If possible, ask for a signed statement right then; people tend to forget details as time passes.

If necessary, your property liability lawyer can contact these witnesses at a later date; for now, gather their names and contact information, at the minimum.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Finally, seek medical attention if necessary. (Of course, this should be your first step, if the slip and fall accident was severe!)

For your attorney's purposes, be sure to keep record of:

• The exact date and time you saw the doctor(s).
• The name of the doctor(s) and medical facility.
• All medical documents the doctor(s) completes.
• Any medications or other treatments the doctor(s) prescribes.
• The exact dates and times of any follow-up appointments.

Keep these records for every doctor and specialist you see on your own or to whom you are referred.

Have You Been Involved in a Property Liability Case?

If you've been injured on someone else's property – such as experienced a slip or fall – you could have a property liability case on your hands. Contact the South Florida Leifer Law Firm at (561) 395-8055 or online to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.