What To Do After A Slip And Fall Accident

What To Do After A Slip And Fall Accident What to Do Following a Slip and Fall Incident at Your Workplace Each year, an estimated 8 million Americans visit the emergency room due to fall-related accidents, with over one million seeking treatment for slip and fall injuries. Regrettably, many of these incidents occur in workplaces, spanning various settings such as construction sites, offices, restaurants, retail establishments, government buildings, and even outdoor areas like sidewalks and parking lots.

Tragically, slip and fall accidents often result in severe injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips account for 23% of fatal workplace accidents in New York City. At Terry Katz & Associates Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers have been aiding accident victims in NYC since 1992. We possess comprehensive knowledge of New York State workers’ compensation and personal injury laws. If you’ve sustained an injury at work, please reach out to us at our toll-free number, 888-488-7459, for a free consultation regarding your injury claim.

Essential Steps to Take After a Slip & Fall Accident

In the event of a slip and fall accident at your workplace, it’s crucial to promptly take several important actions. Any delays in these steps could potentially harm your injury claim and impede your ability to substantiate your personal injury case.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Following a slip and fall accident, it’s imperative to seek medical care and have the incident documented by a healthcare professional. You might experience immediate pain, but some injuries, like brain trauma, may not manifest right away. Ensure you inform your doctor that your injury resulted from a workplace accident. Thorough medical documentation is vital. Many businesses and insurance companies endeavor to dismiss injury claims or downplay the extent of injuries. Proper medical records can counteract these efforts, so retain organized copies of your medical documents.
2. Report the Incident to Your Employer: As soon as you are reasonably able, inform your employer about the accident. When recounting the incident:
   • Focus on factual details.
   • Do not admit fault.
   • Avoid apologizing.
   • Minimize communication (anything you say can potentially be used against you).
   • Do not consent to recorded statements without your attorney present. Once you file an accident report with your employer, obtain a copy for your records. Promptly submitting an accident report is vital to prevent any denial of its occurrence or claims that you didn’t take your personal injury seriously.
3. Identify Witnesses: If possible, identify any witnesses who observed your fall, and collect their names, addresses, and phone numbers. Even if they didn’t directly witness your slip, they might have knowledge of the conditions leading to your injury.
4. Follow All Medical Recommendations: If you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to substantiate your injuries. Missing appointments or failing to comply with prescribed treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other therapies could raise doubts about the legitimacy of your fall injury.
5. Document the Accident Scene: Take numerous photographs of the accident scene from various angles as soon as possible. If your injuries prevent you from doing so, enlist a trusted person to assist. Businesses often address issues swiftly, and once evidence disappears, it complicates your case. Additionally, capture images of your injuries and make notes regarding weather conditions or other circumstances at the time of the incident.
6. Determine the Duration of the Hazard: To establish liability in a workplace accident, you must demonstrate that the employer neglected to rectify the hazardous condition that led to your fall. For instance, was there a persistently leaking broken drainpipe that routinely froze over the sidewalk after winter storms? Or was a spilled substance left to dry on its own? To prove negligence, it must be shown that the hazard persisted beyond a reasonable timeframe.
7. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Once you’ve addressed your medical needs, contact an experienced New York State personal injury attorney. Insurance companies and the entities they represent prioritize the interests of businesses over your injury or losses. You require an advocate who will ensure you receive adequate compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, medical treatments, and other financial losses.
8. Exercise Caution With Social Media Posts: Many individuals with valid personal injury cases inadvertently undermine their claims by posting photos on social media depicting leisure activities or events. Be extremely mindful of what you share online, as your content can be misconstrued and severely affect your fall injury claim.

Remember, always consult with an attorney without delay and refrain from signing any documents presented by an insurance company, as this may significantly harm your injury case.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim?

In workers’ compensation cases, New York State imposes a three-year time limit for filing claims. The clock starts running from the date of your accident, although there are rare exceptions that could grant extensions. Consult with an experienced New York State fall attorney to determine if an extension applies in your situation.

Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Workplace Slip and Fall Accident?

In New York State, which operates on a “no-fault” insurance system, you cannot sue your employer for work-related injuries; you must file for workers’ compensation. However, a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney can assess whether the employer or a third party is at fault. If a third party appears responsible for the conditions leading to the fall, you may explore a premises liability personal injury case to cover your expenses.

Work-related injuries can significantly disrupt your life. If you experience a slip and fall at work, it is essential to follow the necessary steps to facilitate your physical and financial recovery. This will enhance the likelihood of a successful workers’ compensation claim for your fall. Statistics show that approximately one-fourth of employers initially deny claims. In such instances, you have the right to appeal with the New York Workers’ Compensation Board.

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Contact Our NYC Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or a family member has been injured in a slip and fall incident on public or private property or at work, reach out to the experienced slip and fall accident lawyers at Terry Katz & Associates for a no-obligation, free consultation. Since 1992, our attorneys have tirelessly worked to ensure injured individuals in New York receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Our legal team understands the challenges you face while recovering after a painful slip and fall accident. Call our law firm today at 888-488-7459 to schedule a case review evaluation or seek legal guidance regarding personal injury claims.

Terry Katz, Esq. Terry Katz, Esq., the founding Member of the firm, handles all aspects of Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability cases.

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Testimonial: 

“My experience with the firm of Terry Katz and Associates proved to be a very rewarding experience. My specific case was for the receipt of SSI benefits. After having been denied my initial request for SS benefits, I contacted the firm of Terry Katz and Associates in the hopes of reinforcing my appeal.

The associate with whom I worked, Ms. Langdale, was truly exceptional, providing me not only with invaluable guidance, but personable and compassionate care along the way. She is a wonderful person. In the end, my appeal was successful, and I am now receiving benefits.

I am so grateful to the Katz firm for the exceptional assistance I received, not only from Ms. Langdale but from all the associates involved at the firm. I highly recommend retaining their services for anyone seeking to strengthen their SSI case. Thank you again,