So, what should you do if you suffer a fall? No matter how you feel about your injuries, make sure that you do the following immediately after a fall:
- Take a picture of the location and cause of the fall.
- If you have slipped on ice/liquid etc. please take a picture of the location of the fall. If you tripped, please take the picture with a measuring tape or ruler to show a discrepancy in height or the measurements of the depth, length, and width of the hazard. You can also use a coin or bill of money to show the depth of the crack or lip in the ground.
- Take pictures of the shoes or boots you are wearing –from the sides and the bottom to show the grip/tread. Preserve the shoes or boots. Do not wear them again.
- Take pictures of the clothing you were wearing. Preserve the clothing.
- Ask for help from people who witnessed your fall and get their contact information.
- Call your friends/family to pick you up and send you to the nearest hospital or your family doctor or call an ambulance.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer for advice
Keep in mind: a 10-day notice is required to be sent to the City if the fall occurred on City property and a 60-day notice to private owners if you were involved in a fall on snow or ice. Do not wait!
If you fail to give your notice within the 10 day and 60 day period, you may be prevented from bringing a lawsuit unless in the case of death from the injuries or you can prove to the Judge at trial that you have a good reason for the delay.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip/trip and fall, you may be entitled to receive the help you deserve. Contact us at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LL.P and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.