No, I’m not talking about the stock market lately. Rather, I am talking about what to do after you trip or slip, fall, and are injured. While watching someone slip on a banana peel may be very funny in an old fashioned comedy, its no fun to go through this painful ordeal yourself.
Sometimes we trip because we aren’t paying attention, but sometimes a slip or trip can be caused by the negligence of the person or entity in charge of the area where the fall takes place. There are many factors that can go into the question of who is at fault, but there are several steps you can and should take to preserve your rights.
FIRST: Stay calm! After any incident like this you are going to have loads of adrenaline dumped into your bloodstream. This is what is responsible for the “fight or flight” feeling you may get. That same adrenaline may make you feel scared or shaken up, so be sure to take a few moments to compose yourself.
SECOND: Check for injuries. That same adrenaline that may cause a panic may also make you feel like you can just get up and walk away. Its natural after an embarrassing fall to want to simply disappear. You should, however, take a moment to make sure you are okay. If you feel you are seriously injured, do not hesitate to call for medical attention.
THIRD: Report and document the incident. If you are with someone, send them for help. If you are by yourself and cannot move, try to signal someone for help. If you are at a commercial or retail establishment, be sure to report the incident to he person in charge. Make sure to get their name and number, and note the date and time of day. If you have a cell phone with a camera, try to take a picture of the area where you fell and what it was that caused the fall.
FOURTH: Get proper medical attention. I graduated from law school, but I didn’t attend medical school. I’ll bet most of you didn’t either. Remember that serious injuries don’t always result in immediate pain or bleeding. If you need an ambulance – use it. If not, you may later need to drive to an emergency room or to your doctor’s office. Don’t take chances with your health.
FIFTH: (You knew this was coming, right?) If you have any questions or concerns about your legal rights, consult with an attorney. Most people don’t know what their legal rights are after an incident like this, nor do they know how to enforce those rights. An honest and knowledgeable attorney is your best ally in protecting yourself in the unfortunate event you are injured after a fall. While there isn’t much we can do about the falling Dow Jones, you may have rights after other types of falls!
