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3 common mistakes people make after a slip-and-fall

On Behalf of | Jan 11, 2023 | Personal Injury

Maybe you met up with friends to walk at the local mall, or perhaps you were out shopping for a new computer when you suddenly fell. You might have broken your arm trying to brace yourself against the expected impact or hit your head on the floor.

You may not even realize at first that you have an injury that could cause problems later. Many people let their embarrassment after falling dictate what steps they take. They may brush themselves off, check their phones and continue with their day.

You don’t want to make similar mistakes if you slip and fall in a public place, as those errors might prevent you from making a claim later. What are some of the most common slip-and-fall mistakes?

1. Failing to report the fall

Most businesses and property owners carry insurance that will protect them from premises liability. However, there will need to be proof that someone got hurt on the property for that insurance to apply. Reporting your fall before leaving the store will help ensure that the business retains any relevant security footage and also that there will be an incident report affirming your story.

2. Failing to document what made them fall

Whether you were in the foyer and slipped on a puddle that is the result of a recent rainstorm or you end up tripping over a power cord or discarded merchandise in an aisle, your slip-and-fall could very well be the result of negligence on the part of the business.

If better maintenance or more employees at the store would have prevented the incident, you may have grounds to bring a premises liability claim. Proving that there was a puddle or an unsecured power cord could come down to your word against the store managers unless you take some time and use your phone or someone else’s if yours suffered damage to create videos or photos of what caused your injury.

3. Failing to secure medical evaluation

You can’t just claim that you have an injury that keeps you away from work. You need medical records confirming that you have a broken bone or a concussion. If you wait a week after you fall before finally seeking medical treatment, that gap between when you fell and when a doctor evaluated you could help the insurance company or property owner fight back against your point.

Preserving evidence, reporting your fall and seeking the opinion of a doctor are all important steps after a slip and fall incident. Learning more about premises liability claims and other personal injury claims can help those recently hurt while out shopping.

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