Slip and fall accidents are the most common reasons for injury, prompting emergency room visits for hundreds of thousands of people each year.  In fact, slip and fall accidents are one of the three leading causes of preventable injury-related death in the U.S.¹

Quick Slip And Fall Facts ²

• Falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits, representing the leading cause of visits (21.3%). Slips and falls account for over 1 million visits, or 12% of total falls.
• Fractures are the most serious consequences of falls and occur in 5% of all people who fall. A slip and fall accident claim is a simple means to cover medical bills in these cases.
• Slips and falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims and are the leading cause of occupational injury for people aged 55 years and older. If you are thinking about making a workers’ compensation claim then you might want to take a look at hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you with your claim.
• “According to the CDC In 2005, more than 15,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of a fall. Up from 7,700 a decade earlier.”

Icy sidewalks, badly lit hallways, poorly constructed stairwells, torn carpeting, potholes, and wet floors are the usual causes of these accidents. Not to mention workplace accidents.
The negligence of persons, businesses, or public entities can potentially lead to a personal injury claim. Recovery, medical bills and lost wages are just some of the concerns you’ll have to manage after an injury. Knowing what to do after a slip and fall injury is vital, but knowing what NOT to do is just as important.

1 – Failure to notify the manager of the property about the accident. You must notify someone in charge, or an employee as soon as possible. The manager will file an incident report which will be used as legal evidence during the slip and fall accident claim.

2 – Failure to secure evidence. Proofs play a crucial role in the success of your slip and fall accident claim. It is always a good idea to keep records like photos, reports, emails, texts and any documentation that could be used to prove the severity of the injury. Collect and keep all the necessary evidence to show the dangerous condition that caused the injury.

3 – Failure to get prompt medical treatment. Do not wait days before seeking medical attention. You should see a doctor immediately after the accident. Your doctor will prescribe medication and proper aftercare procedures to avoid complications. Also, seeking immediate medical care ensures that your injury is properly documented. Lastly, receiving medical attention early on will give you the best chance to heal properly.

4 – Avoid handling your own slip and fall accident claim. Hire an experienced slip and fall lawyer to help you explore all your legal options. A personal injury lawyer is equipped with the legal expertise to ensure that every aspect of the case is handled correctly, including insurance interviews, document submission any legal requirements related to lost wages and medical bills. Above all, a personal injury lawyer knows what the things to avoid preventing jeopardizing your claim. Hiring a slip and fall lawyer is usually your best option.

5 – Failure to apply within the statute of limitations. You must file a personal injury claim within the prescribed window of time. Filing a suit after the period has lapsed will make your slip and fall injury claim impossible. The statute can be anywhere from 1 year after the accident to 4 years, which depends on the state the accident occurred.

6 – Avoid Signing or accepting an initial offer. NEVER accept an initial offer form your insurance company or from the defendant without consulting your lawyer. You are under no obligation to sign any form or document from your insurance provider or the defendant without your lawyer’s knowledge.

7 – Avoid interviews at first. Do not talk to the insurance company before consulting a lawyer. Slip and fall lawsuits are complicated. To ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, consult with a lawyer before agreeing to any interviews or depositions.

Slip and fall are the most common cause of broken bones, hip fractures, and brain injury. Slip and fall medical bills on average cost Americana $34 billion a year. These accidents are not only physically and mentally devastating but financially as well.
You should not bear the burden of other people’s negligence. If you are injured due to a slip and fall accident, you have the right to receive financial compensation. File a slip and fall accident claim and get started here:

Sources:
[1]: Top 10 Preventable Injuries
[2]: Slip & Fall Quick Facts