Slip and fall injuries are relatively common in Minnesota, as our streets and sidewalks are filled with snow and ice for months at a time. Most Minnesotans have fallen at one point or another, but not many people know what they should do if they suffer an injury during a fall on someone else’s property. Today, we share some steps you should take after a slip and fall injury to ensure you have a good chance of getting a compensation award.
After You’ve Slipped
In the immediate aftermath of a fall, you’ll inherently want to do two things – get back on your feet quickly because you’re embarrassed that you fell, and brush off any pain and continue on with your day. However, both of those actions can hurt your ability to receive compensation for your injuries, so avoid doing them if possible. Instead, here’s what you should do if you suffer a slip and fall injury:
Take A Second and Assess Your Injuries – Don’t just try to get up and brush yourself off without taking a moment to assess yourself and your pain. The shock of the fall may lead to the release of endorphins or adrenaline, which can mask pain. Give yourself a moment, collect your breath, and see what hurts.
Medical Attention – If you require immediate medical attention, have someone give you a ride to a medical center or call an ambulance. However, if you don’t need medical care as soon as possible, follow the rest of these steps before receiving care.
Report the Accident – If you fell on someone else’s property, you should report the accident to the business or residence owner. They need to be made aware of any injuries you suffered on their property.
Take Pictures – If there was a distinct reason that you fell, like a patch of ice or cracked sidewalk, take some pictures of the scene. Most people have their phone on them when they are out and about, so turn on the camera function and take a number of pictures of the scene, because this can help strengthen your case that there were contributory factors to your fall.
Witnesses – If anyone witnessed your fall, ask them for their name and contact information, because they may be able to provide a statement that will help strengthen your claim.
Contact a Lawyer – If you are going to be pursuing a compensation award, and you should consider it if your injuries require medical attention, it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury firm like Hey Workers. We’ll be able to create a claim that maximizes your award opportunity, and while we’re doing our job, you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Hiring a lawyer also ensures everything is done in order and no deadlines are missed.
So if you have suffered a slip and fall injury and you’re wondering what to do next, keep these tips in mind, and give Hey Workers a call if you have any questions or need assistance with anything.
