6 of the Most Common Issues Involving Slip and Fall Injuries in Florida

Accidents involving falls are something that everyone will be exposed to at some point in their lives. Any time that an activity involves people walking, it can involve a slip and fall risk.

Even if you have not had the misfortune of an injury yourself, you’ve certainly been there when someone else has hurt themselves.

When you see it happen, you can’t help but wonder what happened afterwards. Was the injured person okay? Did they receive any compensation for their injuries?

If it does happen to you, it’s good to know some of the most common issues related to slip and fall injuries in Florida. If the injury occurs on someone else’s property, it’s possible that they are responsible. To have the best chance of receiving payment for any medical bills or other losses, be sure that you don’t make these most common mistakes in the aftermath.

1.  Document the surroundings

If you’ve tripped or slipped, it’s critical to document your surroundings in detail. Use your camera phone to take clear photos of things like wet spots, uneven flooring, trip hazards, and other details. Make notes of the size, shape and color of the item you tripped over. If there was a hazard and no warning sign, show it in a photo. Without this information, you have no evidence.

2.  Talk to any witnesses

Talk to anyone who witnessed the fall. Be sure to get names and contact information, including phone numbers and emails. In a world where everyone carries a phone, it’s possible that they also have video or photos or the event. Obtain copies of them, if so.

3.  Go to management

If the injury occurred in a place of business, talk to a manager as soon as possible. Ask for them to complete an incident report, and thoroughly review it before you sign anything.

Ask them for a copy of the report, and also request that you get a copy of any surveillance footage, if the business uses it.

4.  Document your own details

In addition to the surroundings, you must also make sure that you carefully list any details that pertain to yourself. It’s important that you take note of the type of shoes you were wearing, even taking a photo of them, if possible.

You should also list any personal property that was damaged, before you forget about it. Common things that are damaged in a fall are glasses, phones, clothing, and watches. Write down anything that was broken, and take photos of the damages, too.

5.  Seek medical attention

Even seemingly minor falls can cause lingering injuries, especially if your head or neck was affected. Falls cause 30% of all spinal cord injuries in the U.S. Don’t let one go untreated.

Follow up as soon as possible with a medical professional to have any pain or injury evaluated. It is important to let them know how the injury occurred, so that it can be accurately documented.

Make sure that you keep copies of all medical records and copies of medical bills.

6.  Don’t put off professional assistance

Even when you’ve been careful about keeping documentation, following up on records requests, and getting the help you need to recover, it’s still important to get help with the legal aspects.

In cases of slip and fall injury, the services of an experienced legal professional are invaluable. An attorney will help guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical bills and damaged personal property. When you’re worried about bill payments and your own recovery, they can assist you in gathering your information and advise on the next steps.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, it’s easy to make mistakes and forget important pieces of information. Be prepared, and you’ll be able to seek the help you need to recover - financially and physically.

Author’s Bio:

Scott Distasio is the founder of Distasio Law Firm in Tampa. His career focus is on all types of personal injury cases. His work represents his belief that all firms should provide outstanding service to their clients. Follow @scottdistasio on Twitter to see what legal wisdom he shares next.