More than eight million individuals visit the hospital annually due to slip-and-fall accidents. In addition, up to five percent of these cases result in broken bones.
Of the falls that involve death, more than 60% are older than 65 years of age. Slip-and-fall accidents can cause a number of health challenges, so these are guidelines you should follow if you slip or fall on someone else’s property.
Immediately seek medical help
No matter where you fall, you should seek medical attention, especially if you are over 65. However, even young people experience fractures and other health issues after a fall. Your adrenaline may mask damage, so even if you do not feel pain, seek medical attention.
Gather documentation
Gather your medical records to ensure proper documentation and so you can file your report. Also, document the scene of the accident. Write down or photograph any dangers that contributed to your fall. Collect witness statements and contact information. Write out your statement, including what you were doing prior to your fall. Include the date and time.
File an accident report
Report your accident to the property owner or manager. Use your documents to complete the report if you need to fill it out yourself. In some cases, the manager or owner will fill out any paperwork, but check it over to ensure that it correctly describes the incident. Avoid communication with anyone but the property owner or manager.
Ask about any deadlines you need to meet while you are speaking with the person handling your claim. Once you complete the paperwork, you will likely have to wait for a response from the insurance company. Avoid communicating with this company directly and seek professional advice about any settlement offer you receive.