Most of you will experience slip and fall accidents at least one time in your life, and you may not know what to do in such situations. the accident may not be your fault and you might be unsure of where to start, despite your intentions to handle everything correctly. Let’s explore the steps to take after a slip-and-fall accident.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Accident in Portland
Oregon reported 951 slip-and-fall deaths in 2022. [1]
Get Proper Medical Attention
Some severe injuries may not show immediate symptoms, seek medical care and establish a medical record of your injuries. Common types of injuries resulting from slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Report the Accident
Notify the property owner or manager of the premises where the accident occurred. This can be done in writing or through an incident report.
Provide details of how the accident happened, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any contributing factors such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting. Reporting the accident helps create an official record and establishes that the accident did indeed occur on that specific property.
Multnomah County reported 166 visits to emergency departments relating to falls in a single day in 2024 due to the weather conditions — the highest in a single day since 2016. [2]
Gather Evidence Effectively
Collect as much evidence as possible to support your personal injury claim. Take photographs of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that caused your fall, such as wet floors or uneven surfaces.
If there were witnesses to the slip-and-fall accident, obtain their contact information, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Witness testimony can provide additional support for your account of the incident, helping to establish liability and the extent of your injuries in your case.
Preserve Any Physical Evidence
If your clothing or personal belongings were damaged during the fall, keep them as evidence. Avoid washing or altering these items, as they may serve as proof of the accident, especially if they show signs of damage or contamination from the accident scene.
Take Notes
Write down everything about the accident, including the date, time, location, weather conditions, property damages, and other relevant details. Be specific about the location and nature of your injuries and any immediate pain or discomfort you experienced.
Keeping detailed notes after a slip-and-fall accident can help you accurately recall the events of the incident and provide valuable evidence to support your accident claim for compensation.
Document Your Injuries
Document your injuries to support your insurance claim for compensation. Take clear photographs of visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling. Keep copies of all medical records, including emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, and diagnostic test results.
Attend all follow-up appointments with healthcare providers and record your progress during physical therapy or rehabilitation sessions. Keep track of all related expenses, such as medical bills, prescription medication costs, and transportation costs. Document how your injuries have impacted your daily life, including missed workdays and changes in routine activities.
Notify Your Insurance Company
When notifying your insurance company, provide them with detailed information about the incident, including the date, time, location of the fall, and any injuries sustained.
Be prepared to provide documentation, such as medical records and receipts for expenses related to your injuries. Informing your insurance company ensures that your slip-and-fall claim is processed efficiently and that you receive a fair settlement.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney experienced in premises liability and slip-and-fall cases. Accident attorneys with extensive experience in slip-and-fall cases offer valuable support throughout the legal process. They will evaluate the situation of your accident, collect evidence, and represent you so you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Sources:
[1] Death Data. (n.d.). Oregon Health Authority. Retrieved January 29, 2024, from https://visual-data.dhsoha.state.or.us/t/OHA/views/Oregondeathsfromexternalinjuries/DemogDash?
[2] Tweet. (n.d.). Multnomah County, Oregon. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://twitter.com/multco/status/1748076659226579263
