The first few hours and days after a fall are critical. Whether you’re hurt at a business, a private home, or on public property, here are ten steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:
Report it Immediately
Notify someone right away—whether it’s a store manager, landlord, or property owner. Ask for a written incident report and get a copy. You can even call the police to the scene. This step creates a formal record of what happened, which is critical for your case.
Prioritize Your Health
Some injuries don’t surface immediately. I’ve represented clients who felt fine after their fall, only to develop serious symptoms days later. Get checked out right away and follow up with your doctor. Medical documentation is the foundation of any injury claim.
Take Photos & Video
Use your phone to capture the scene—wet floors, broken steps, icy walkways, poor lighting, or any hazards that caused or contributed to your fall. Don’t rely on memory. Clear visuals speak louder than words in court.
Identify Witnesses
If someone saw what happened, get their name and contact info. Independent witness testimony can make or break a case. They help confirm what caused your fall and that it wasn’t your fault.
Preserve Evidence
Hold on to the clothing and shoes you were wearing. Don’t clean or throw them away. In one case, a client’s shoes helped us prove the floor had no warning signs and was dangerously slick.
Be Cautious with Your Words
Insurance adjusters may call you within hours of a fall, sounding friendly and concerned. Their job is to limit the company’s liability. Don’t give a recorded statement or discuss your injuries without legal guidance.
Stay Off Social Media
A single photo or comment online. Avoid posting about your injury or daily activities while your case is ongoing. Insurance companies watch—closely.
Follow Medical Advice
Stick with your treatment plan. Attend physical therapy. Refill prescriptions. Any gaps or missed appointments may be used to argue you weren’t really injured—or that you failed to take your recovery seriously.
Keep a Personal Journal
Write down how your injury impacts your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. When clients keep daily notes, it helps paint a full picture of their pain and suffering and strengthens our claim for full compensation.
And do contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
