According to the CDC unintentional falls account for nearly 20k deaths annually in the United States. The CDC estimates that 20% to 30% of people who experience a slip and fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries including bruises, hip fractures, or head injuries. These injuries can be debilitating and even fatal. Seniors are more susceptible to these kinds of injuries. In some states, the law declares that the owner(s) of real estate is/are responsible for safety precautions in the subject building(s), apartment(s) and residential common area(s). The violation of such precautionary measures could result in legal liability to someone injured inside or on the property. The injured may be entitled to compensation for hospital bills and other losses as a result of the injuries.

Here are some tips should you ever find yourself the victim of a slip and fall accident:

1. Seek medical attention. Some injuries may not feel serious at first but gradually progress is more severe than initially thought. Seek medical evaluation for your injury or condition. It’s best to properly assess, diagnose and treat the injury early. The
medical records related to said diagnosis and treatment help establish your personal injury case and helps facilitate a compensatory settlement if any.

2. Reporting the accident. Always report the incident to authorities and to your insurance company. Secure written documentation including notes, photos, and video of the damages and injuries. If you are visiting a private establishment, a business, a retailer or anywhere else, immediately inform the person responsible such as a landlord, security personnel, owner/manager. Take note of important details such as time, date, location, probable cause and any injuries caused by the fall.

3. Case prep. Start a file which includes all the information related to your slip and fall case. Reporting the incident is only the initial step in the process. Detailed records should be kept including copies of a police report, medical bills, and a list of witnesses if any. You can even record conversations with witnesses (permission is required prior to recording), retain photos taken using your mobile device, and secure contact information of witnesses.

4. Decline to Comment. Do not publicize your case or share it on social media. Never communicate with the insurance company without prior evaluation from a personal injury attorney. You should always remain calm and composed. You should never give any statements to anyone other than the authorities. Never admit fault or blame anyone. Keep the conversation between you, your attorney and your doctor under strict confidence.

5. Seek Representation. For legal advice, hire an experienced personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind. Ramji Law Group is a highly successful law firm with over 125 years of combined experience dealing with personal injury cases including slip and fall. They will fight for the compensation you so richly deserve.

For more information, contact Ramji Law Group by calling (713) 533-8781. We may also be reached online at https://www.ramjilaw.com. You may schedule an initial evaluation by completing our contact form.