Bakersfield Slip and Fall Lawyer

How to Respond After a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents can be challenging. If they occur in a public setting, many people try to minimize their injuries because they do not want to make a scene. If they occur at the home of a friend or family member, a victim may not want anyone to fuss or worry, so it can be tempting to pretend like nothing hurts. Ignoring it is rarely successful. If something hurts in the immediate aftermath of an accident or event, then it is probably going to hurt more later.

Instead of worrying about preserving people’s feelings or not making a scene, a slip and fall victim needs to get appropriate medical care. Getting medical care as soon as possible after an accident helps prove the injuries were the result of the event. Even more importantly, getting medical care as soon as possible can keep the injury from getting worse. Many injuries will get worse if not treated properly, which can change the course of treatment, length of recovery, and even whether someone is permanently disabled.

While prompt medical care should be a priority, it is also essential to gather evidence that can help establish negligence. Pictures of the scene, witness names and contact information, and a description of the event can help document what happened. If the victim cannot get photos, it is helpful if someone else gets photos as soon as possible.

An injured person should also work to preserve other evidence—especially evidence that can help challenge any potential defenses. One of the most common defenses in a slip and fall accident is to blame the victim’s clothing—particularly footwear. Documenting the shoes that they were wearing at the time of the accident is essential. Our Bakersfield attorneys could provide additional advice about how to preserve evidence after a tripping accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation