What to Do If You Slipped and Fell on Someone Else’s Property

Whether running errands or visiting friends, you probably don’t expect your outings to end at the hospital. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans every year, that’s exactly where they end up after slipping and falling.

While some accidents are just that—accidents—many could have been prevented had someone exercised reasonable care. Thankfully, if you were hurt in a slip and fall incident that you think the property owner could have mitigated, you may be able to bring a case against them.

Should this be the route you choose to take, you’re going to want to put together the strongest claim possible. To help you get started, here are a few steps you should take right away:

1. Write Down What Happened

Recount what happened in writing, making sure to include even the smallest details you can remember. This statement will give your legal team a starting point for their investigation. Depending on the facts of the case, it may even contain critical information that ultimately helps them prove liability.

2. Preserve Proof from the Scene

If you were hurt at a place of business, the manager on duty may have drafted an incident report. If you can get a copy of this, it could come in handy when building your claim. Even if it doesn’t implicate the establishment—and it likely won’t—it will at least prove that the incident did, in fact, occur.

Other proof from the scene that may support your case includes eyewitness testimony, photos of the hazard that caused you to slip in the first place, and surveillance camera footage. If you don’t have any of the above, or don’t know how to obtain such evidence, don’t worry; a resourceful premises liability attorney can help.

3. Keep a Daily Journal

Florida tort law recognizes non-economic damages like pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and mental anguish. Detailed journal entries are one of the most widely accepted ways to demonstrate the extent of such losses, so start writing about the daily challenges you face because of your injuries as soon as possible.

4. Document All Your Injury-Related Expenses

Florida tort law also recognizes economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of reasonable and necessary replacement services. In order to include them in your claim, though, you must prove that you actually incurred them. Consequently, it’s imperative that you preserve all associated documentation. Examples include hospital bills, payroll paperwork, and bills and invoices for any tasks you’re forced to outsource, like meal preparation and housekeeping.

Speak with a Stuart Slip and Fall Attorney

At Donaldson & Weston, we know all too well how devastating slip and fall accidents can be. If you were seriously hurt on someone else’s property and you want to hold the owner accountable, we’ll help you build a case against them. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out the Contact Form on our website to schedule a free initial consultation with a slip and fall lawyer in Stuart.