24 Nov, 2023
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. They can result from a variety of factors, such as wet floors, damaged sidewalks, uneven stairs, or icy walkways. While no one plans to experience a slip-and-fall accident, it is essential to know what to do in case it happens. If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Missouri, this blog post will guide you through the first steps to take. We'll discuss the critical actions that can help protect your health, your rights, and your compensation. Keep reading to learn more. 1. Seek Medical Help Your health and safety should always be your top priority after a slip-and-fall accident. Even if you don't feel severe pain or visible injuries, you should still seek medical attention. Some injuries can develop or worsen over time, and you may not even realize their severity until it's too late. Suppose you feel pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, or even confusion after a slip-and-fall accident. In that case, you must call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, you can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a specialist. They can check for injuries such as broken bones, sprains, bruises, cuts, internal bleeding, head trauma, and spine injuries. 2. Collect Evidence After seeking medical help, the next step is to collect evidence of the slip-and-fall accident. Evidence can help establish who is liable for your injuries and how much compensation you may be entitled to. Here are some types of evidence you can gather: - Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the hazard that caused your fall, any warning signs or barriers, and your injuries. - Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident, such as their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. - Save any physical evidence that can link to the accident, such as your torn clothing, broken glasses, or damaged phone. - Get a copy of the accident report, which should include the date, time, location, and possible causes of the accident, as well as the contact information of the property owner or manager. 3. Fill out an Accident Report If your slip-and-fall accident happened on someone else's property, you must report it as soon as possible. Most property owners or managers have a protocol for handling slip-and-fall accidents, which may involve filling out an incident report. The incident report should provide details of the accident, as well as your name, contact information, and injury description. By filling out an accident report, you can document the incident while it's still fresh in your memory, and the property owner or manager can take corrective action to prevent future accidents. If the property owner or manager refuses to make an accident report, you can contact the police or a slip-and-fall attorney for assistance. 4. Consult a Slip-and-Fall Attorney If you have sustained injuries in a slip-and-fall accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. However, navigating the legal system can be challenging, especially if you're recovering from injuries and may not be familiar with Missouri's laws and regulations. At Troppito Miller Griffin, we can assist Missouri residents with slip-and-fall accidents. Our attorneys have vast experience in personal injury cases and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to recover from your injuries and get the compensation you deserve. Slip-and-fall accidents can be stressful, painful, and can affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. But by following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can take control of the situation, protect your health and rights, and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. Remember to seek medical help, gather evidence, fill out an accident report, and consult a slip-and-fall attorney if necessary. At Troppito Miller Griffin, we're here to help you every step of the way.