What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

 Posted on April 11, 2024 in Personal Injury

While many slip-and-fall incidents are not serious, some are. While anyone can be seriously hurt after slipping and falling, some people are more likely to sustain major injuries than others. People who are more likely to sustain serious bodily injuries from falling include the elderly, people of larger size, pregnant people, and those with certain medical conditions such as existing back injuries or osteoporosis. Many slip and falls are caused by a retail store or restaurant’s negligence. Failing to clean up a spill or post signage immediately upon finding out about the spill or failing to appropriately monitor the premises can put customers at risk. If you slip and fall in a business, you should contact a San Jose, CA personal injury lawyer immediately.

Follow These Steps Right After Slipping and Falling

The steps you should take right after a slip-and-fall accident include:

• Do not get up immediately - Your instinct might be to immediately stand up, especially if the floor is not very clean or you are embarrassed. Getting up too fast could aggravate an injury. It is usually best to remain where you are until paramedics arrive. 
• Call for help - Calling 911 is normally appropriate. Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries can be catastrophic. First responders will know how to move you safely if you are injured. You may not be able to tell whether you are seriously injured, as adrenaline can block pain signals. 
• Notify management - It is important to immediately alert the person in charge of the premises. This may be a manager or the owner. However, be mindful of what you say to him or her. Avoid saying anything that could suggest you are partially at fault, like, “I should not have worn these shoes,” or, “I was texting and did not see the spill.”
• Take pictures - If you can, have someone around you take a photo of the material you slipped in. Make a note of where the spill may have come from.
• Get contact information from witnesses - If anyone happened to see the accident, try to have someone take down his or her contact information. Witnesses may be needed to help prove what happened. 
• Contact a lawyer - A lawyer can take important steps like making sure any security camera footage is preserved and filing a timely lawsuit. 

Contact a Santa Clara County, CA Premises Liability Attorney

If you were injured after slipping and falling, Fuller Law Firm may be able to help you recover a financial award. Experienced San Jose, CA slip and fall lawyer Cory Fuller is a Santa Clara County native and can help you navigate the local court system. Contact us at 408-234-7563 for a complimentary consultation.