What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Slip-and-fall accidents are some of the most common causes of injury in the state of Florida, and taking the right steps is important. Document the incident, seek medical care, and consult a Florida slip and fall accident lawyer to understand your options.

Property owners in Florida have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When negligence leads to hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, they may be held accountable for injuries. Understanding what to do after a slip and fall accident is key to building a strong case.

Take the following steps below to make sure you protect yourself after a slip and fall accident.

Prompt Medical Care Matters After an Accident

Your health should always come first after an accident. Visit a doctor promptly to address any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. A Florida personal injury lawyer can help you review the medical records you’ll need to support your claim.

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan carefully. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending therapy sessions, using recommended medical equipment, and going to follow-up appointments. Keeping thorough records of your treatment can strengthen your case.

Our lawyers are here to guide you through the process, helping you understand how medical documentation plays a key role in pursuing a personal injury claim. By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to seek the resolution you deserve.

Gather Important Details After a Slip and Fall

As soon as possible, document everything you remember about the accident. These details can play a key role in your case. Be sure to include:

• The location of the fall.
• What caused the fall, such as spills or uneven flooring.
• Time, date, and weather or lighting conditions.
• Injuries you sustained and symptoms you experienced.
• Names and contact information of witnesses.

If you fall on someone else’s property, take photos of any hazards, such as slippery floors, broken steps, or debris. While your safety and medical care should be your priority, capturing evidence can help build a strong case.

A Florida slip and fall accident attorney from our firm can review this information and guide you through the next steps to protect your rights.

Who Should I Notify After a Slip and Fall?

Reporting a slip and fall accident promptly is an important step. It helps create an official record of what happened, triggers an investigation, and preserves evidence that could support your claim. Taking this step also shows you are handling the situation responsibly, which can influence how the matter is resolved.

Who you report the incident to depends on where the fall occurred:

• Private property: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor. Request their contact information or submit the report as directed.
• Public places: Contact the agency responsible for the location, such as the parks department or school district.
• Workplace injuries: Report the accident to your employer and follow their procedures for workers’ compensation.
• Severe falls: Call the police to file an incident report if needed, but only call 911 for life-threatening injuries.

Provide all relevant details about the accident and your injuries. Keep notes of who you spoke with, when, and any next steps they mention regarding their investigation. This documentation can strengthen your case and protect your rights.

Do I need an Attorney to Pursue a Slip and Fall Claim?

After a slip and fall, consulting with a personal injury attorney is an important step. A slip and fall accident attorney in Florida can evaluate your case, identify responsible parties, and explain your options for seeking compensation. Their guidance is tailored to the unique details of your situation.

An attorney handles the legal process so you can focus on recovery. This includes:

• Communicating with insurance companies.
• Filing all necessary paperwork.
• Gathering evidence such as medical records.
• Negotiating a fair settlement.
• Taking legal action, if required.

Working with an attorney helps you stand up against large companies and pursue the outcome you deserve. Having experienced representation can make a huge difference in your case.

Filing an Insurance Claim

Notifying the at-fault party’s insurance company is an important step after a slip and fall. In most cases, this involves contacting the business or property owner’s commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. Providing details about your injuries and losses allows the insurer to begin reviewing your claim.

If your fall occurred on government property, the process is slightly different. You’ll need to file a formal notice of claim, often within specific time limits set by law. Meeting these deadlines is important to keep your case moving forward.

Our attorneys can help you handle these steps and make sure that all necessary information is communicated properly to protect your right to seek compensation.

Why it’s Important to Track Expenses After a Slip and Fal

After a slip and fall accident, tracking all related costs is key to building a strong claim. Be sure to organize records for the following:

• Medical bills, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and therapy sessions.
• Prescriptions and any medical equipment you need.
• Travel expenses for appointments, such as mileage or taxi fares.
• Lost wages due to missed work.
• Costs for household assistance if your injury prevents daily activities.

Staying organized helps make sure that every loss is accounted for when seeking compensation. Missing or incomplete records could reduce the value of your claim.

Keep all receipts, bills, and related paperwork in one place, and make copies for submission. Even expenses covered by your health insurance should be documented, as the at-fault party may need to reimburse your insurer.

Evaluate Settlement Offers Carefully

Insurance companies often present a settlement offer to resolve your case. This amount is meant to cover accident-related damages and future expenses. Accepting a settlement is final, so it’s important to review offers carefully.

Take time before responding to a settlement. Initial offers are often low, so negotiating for a higher amount is standard. Work with your lawyer to assess whether the amount covers both current and future losses.

If you reject an offer, your lawyer can help prepare a counteroffer with evidence supporting a higher amount. While negotiations may take time, having a clear plan helps. If talks stall, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.

Considering Legal Action

When settlement negotiations reach an impasse, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. A legal claim must demonstrate that the property owner or manager failed to maintain safe conditions, that this failure directly caused your injuries, and that you suffered measurable damages.

To succeed in a slip and fall case under premises liability law, you must prove:

• The property owner had a legal duty to maintain a safe environment.
• They knew or should have known about the hazard.
• They failed to fix or warn about the danger.

If litigation is the best path forward, your lawyer will handle every step of the process, including filing the claim, gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, and negotiating with the opposing side. While most cases settle before trial, court victories can secure full compensation for your losses.

How The Schiller Kessler Group Can Help

Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident is key to protecting your health and legal rights. From documenting the scene to seeking medical care and legal guidance, every step matters. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’re here to help you through this process.

With over three decades of experience, our team understands how to handle slip and fall cases with care and precision. A Florida slip and fall accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case, address your concerns, and work toward a resolution that reflects your needs.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. The Schiller Kessler Group is ready to provide the support and legal guidance you deserve.