I have heard the story many times, you are out walking down a city street or strolling through the aisles of the local store when suddenly you find yourself on the ground with a sharp pain in your back or neck. Then as quickly as the pain started, it fades. This is usually because there is a surge of adrenaline or other factors that mask the immediate pain. Unless there is an obvious broken bone or a large laceration most people feel embarrassed that they fell and just want to leave the area and get the incident behind them.
Later that day or the next morning their back, neck or other joint starts to stiffen or throb with pain and they realize they may have been seriously injured as a result of the fall. Unfortunately at this point the are where they fell may have been repaired or cleaned, and any witnesses have scattered.
I encourage you to take the following steps any time you have a slip and fall accident.
1. Get Witness names and numbers. There may not always be witnesses but if there are, please get their contact information. You may never need to contact them but it is better to be safe than sorry.
2. Take Photos. In the modern day nearly everyone has a camera phone, take photos of the area where you fell. If you do not have a camera with you at the time, ask a witness to take photos and email them to you. If there are no witnesses around, come back later with a camera to take photos and if you are not feeling well ask a friend or family member to return to the scene and get pictures.
3. File an Incident Report. If the accident occurred at a business, contact an employee at the scene and ask to file an incident report. The same holds true if the accident occurs at public venue where there are employees present.
4. Contact An Experienced Slip and Fall Attorney. I know some people are hesitant to hire a personal injury lawyer for various reasons but I ask that you keep an open mind, and I assure you that speaking to an attorney does mean you have to hire them. I think it is well worth your time to learn your rights and remedies for slip and fall accident. Remember, nearly all personal injury lawyers will provide a free consultation so it is well worth 20-30 minutes of your time.
I would be happy to speak with you about your slip andfall accident and help you decide whether it is worthwhile to pursue a claim. I have handled many slip and fall claims around Central Florida ranging from broken legs to serious back injuries. I have brought claims against major chain stores, large concert venues and local municipalities.