How to Respond to a Slip and Fall Claim
Slip and fall accidents happen both at places of business and on private property. How you respond in the immediate moments after the slip and fall accident will play an important factor in the weeks and months to follow. The information you gather will directly affect the ultimate outcome of the claim. Help protect yourself from a lawsuit or personal injury attorney by acting quickly and decisively.
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Instructions
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Take steps to care for any injuries and provide care to the person who has just slipped and fell. Show the person compassion and kindness. Offer to call an ambulance. Offer to provide ice or a cold compress. If you feel there is a serious injury involved, do not move the person. Await the paramedics who can better evaluate the person's condition.
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Do not offer to pay for the medical bills or make other compensation, but also do not defend yourself or your business to the injured party. Don't make any derogatory statements or accusations.
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Obtain personal information about the injured party, including full name, current address, phone numbers, date of birth, Social Security number, marital status and dependents, employer information, injury report and purpose for being on the premises. Note the type of shoes and whether the person was using any type of walking aid or has any type of handicap. Make note if they wore glasses. Note if the person was carrying anything at the time of the fall.
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Investigate the location where the slip and fall occurred. Make note of any hazards in the area, such as a slippery substance, uneven surface, rug/mat, ice, snow or debris. If there is nothing hazardous, it also important to document this. Take digital photos of the slip and fall scene. Your photos should be both wide views and close views. If your business or home has security surveillance cameras, check the recording to see if it captured the fall. If the fall occurred outside or weather was a factor, make precise notes of the weather conditions. Make note of the lighting conditions in the area of the slip and fall.
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Gather witness information as soon as possible. If this is a business or public place, a witness may leave unexpectedly. Attempt to get the names, addresses and phone numbers for any potential witnesses. Even if the person did not see the actual slip and fall, he may be able to provide other pertinant information that will be helpful later.
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Report the slip and fall accident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. The claims department is well-versed in addressing these types of losses. With the information you have gathered, they will be able to properly respond to the loss.
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Be prepared for the injured person or their family to return to the scene in the days following the fall. They may ask for your insurance information or demand payment for their medical bills. Explain to them that you have insurance for slip and fall accidents. You have reported this to your carrier and provide them with the claims adjusters contact information. Make note of whatever new information you may gather and report this to your insurance company.
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References
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