Ok, so you’ve slipped and fallen in a public place. You’re probably in shock, after all, no one is ever really ready to fall on the ground. People might be starting to gather around you. You can feel embarrassment creeping up your face.
You’re suddenly faced with so many questions. Are you hurt? Should I call an ambulance? Was it my fault? Why did this happen?
Your mind might be reeling after what’s just happened to you, and you’re unlikely to know all the answers to your burning questions straight away. However, there are several actions you must take after a slip and fall accident. Especially if you weren’t to blame and you’re injured. What’s the average payout for a slip and fall? Click the link to find out. Here we’ll take a look at what you should do next after slipping and falling in a public place.
Always seek medical attention
At this stage, the most important thing you can do is look after yourself. Putting your health first is absolutely crucial. Even if you don’t think you’re injured or you think you’ve simply “bruised” yourself, it’s important to get yourself checked out at the hospital. Some injuries such as soft tissue damage may not be immediately apparent and could take a couple of days to manifest fully.
Also, by heading to the emergency room, you’ll have documented proof of your injuries and a treatment plan created by a doctor which will add weight to your personal injury claim.
Figure out what happened
Knowing what caused your slip and fall accident will help your case. Check around you to see if there is an obvious cause and take a mental note. Is the floor wet but there’s no wet floor sign? Have you tripped over a loose floor tile or ripped carpet?
Gather evidence
If possible, document what has happened by photographing the scene. If you’re injured ask someone else to do this for you. Photograph the floor, the entire area or if possible, what specifically caused you to trip, slip or fall.
Bonus tip: If there are any bystanders or people who have come to your aid, ask them if they saw what happened. If so, get their contact details; witnesses are crucial in cases like these.
Document everything
Your hospital appointments, how you’re feeling, your emotional state, keep track of your pain, write down what happened on the day of the fall as accurately as you can in a diary. And keep all this information secure. It may prove useful.
Speak with an attorney
If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident in a public place, speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
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