10 Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in NY

Most Common Types of Slips and Falls

When we think of workplace accidents, we often think of those that make headlines, such as explosions, freak incidents, and other glaring accounts of egregious safety disregard. However, the most common type of workplace injuries result from something far less graphic or extraordinary.

Slip and fall accidents account for over a third of all workplace injuries. At Accident Help Zone, we understand how a simple slip and fall at work can create serious injuries and long-term effects. Below, we strive to educate you on the types of slips and falls most commonly reported, as well as the 10 steps you should take if you have suffered from such an accident at work.

Wet or uneven surfaces are the most common areas to suffer from a slip and fall-related injury. This can include areas that suffer from cluttered floors, loose floorboards, cracked or ill-fitted sidewalk, potholes, poorly constructed stairways, rugs, and recently mopped floors. Other types of situations that may lead to slip and fall injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Visibility: Poor visibility can also increase the dangers of a wet or uneven surface and it obstructs your ability to avoid injury.
• Weather: Weather conditions can also affect your safety. Hazardous weather, such as ice, rain or snow, can make surfaces that are typically safe much more dangerous.
• Training: Proper training should be provided to all employees. However, for those who are exposed to increased risks, such as employees in manufacturing or construction work zones, training is an essential part of maintaining proper safety.
• Footwear: Proper footwear is also important. Certain work areas need specific footwear that increases traction and safety. Enforcing standards of safety through the use of proper footwear can help reduce the likelihood of an injury.

Not all injuries can be avoided, however. After all, that is the nature of an accident. If you have suffered from a slip and fall accident at work, there are several steps you should take to ensure you limit your pain, suffering, and long-term effects of such an injury. So what can you do?

1. Seek Medical Help

Whether you believe an injury is serious or not, you should seek medical help as soon as possible after a slip and fall. (In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that out of every five slip and fall accidents, one will result in serious injuries.)

2. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company

Any types of recorded statement can be used against you later. Unfortunately, in many slip and fall cases, the employer’s workers compensation insurance will look for a way to deflect blame or causation back onto the victim. After a slip and fall, this insurance company will likely contact you looking to obtain a statement. You should not provide one, nor sign anything, without the presence of your attorney to ensure you give an accurate, succinct statement after obtaining counsel.

3. Maintain a Journal

Tracking your injuries, treatments, feelings, and post-accident work environment can be tedious and can lead to confusion. To help ensure you keep an accurate account of everything that contributed to and resulted from your injury, it is advised that you maintain a journal of your progress. The more thorough your record keeping and journaling, the more likely you will be able to accurately capture all aspects of your post-injury environment, feelings, progress, and financials.

4. Gather Evidence

In conjunction with keeping a journal, you should gather evidence. This can include doctors’ reports, medical bills, pictures of the injury and workplace, and other such documents that can substantiate your claim.

5. Properly Report the Incident

Should you slip and fall, it is important that you report it to the proper person. Telling a co-worker instead of a supervisor, for example, could be grounds for your employer to claim that they had no idea you had even fallen.

6. Identify Witnesses

Identifying witnesses and collecting their information can help your case. Getting a recorded statement as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident is important as memories tend to fade after time. Witness statements may help to prove your case should a lawsuit or claims process be required.

7. Follow Doctors’ Orders

Do not intentionally exacerbate your injury. Following your doctors’ orders will help with your recovery, as well as help to substantiate your claims.

8. Limit Statements

Social media can severely damage your claim. You should limit any posts, including statement and photographs posted to social media accounts that may make your injuries appear less serious than you claim.

9. Determine Liability

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. You should determine who is liable for your slip and fall. Speaking with an attorney may be the best way to do so should the claim appear convoluted or overly complicated.

10. Hire an Attorney

Workplace injuries should not be addressed alone. Hiring an attorney is essential, whether you plan on filing a claim or not.

The More You Know

Accident Help Zone strives to educate employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Personal injuries can be complex and devastating. If you have been suffered a workplace injury, visit Accident Help Zone today to learn more about your rights.