Reporting a Fall Down Incident Before Leaving a Store or Facility: A Comprehensive Guide

When involved in a fall down incident at a store or facility, immediate action is essential for documenting the event and protecting your legal rights. While your health comes first, it’s crucial to report the incident before leaving. An experienced Illinois slip and fall attorney can handle the follow-up, including preserving video evidence, so that you’re not burdened with additional tasks. This guide will outline the steps to take after a fall and how an attorney can assist in building a strong personal injury case.

Notify the Facility’s Staff Immediately

After a fall, it is important to notify the staff of the store or facility right away. Find a manager or supervisor, as they typically have the authority to file an official incident report. When reporting the fall:

• Stay calm and composed: Even though you may be in pain, staying calm will help in ensuring your report is taken seriously.
• Be specific about the details: Describe where you fell, what caused the fall (e.g., a wet floor, uneven surface, or obstacle), and how you were injured.
• Ensure the incident report is filed: This is crucial for any future personal injury claims you may pursue.

Take Photos and Gather Other Evidence

While waiting for the incident report to be filed, gather as much evidence as you can:

1. Photograph the area: Use your smartphone to document the hazardous condition that caused the fall, such as a wet floor, uneven steps, or poor lighting.
2. Photograph your injuries: If your injuries are visible, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling, take pictures immediately to capture the extent of the harm.
3. Find witnesses: If anyone witnessed your fall, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can provide statements later to corroborate your account of the incident.
4. Document the surroundings: Look for the presence of surveillance cameras in the area. This information will be useful when your attorney requests footage to support your case.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health should always be the priority after a fall. If you’ve been seriously injured, ask for help or call 911. Some injuries may not present obvious symptoms at first but can have severe consequences if left untreated. Common injuries in fall down cases include:

• Fractures (e.g., broken wrists, ankles, or hips).
• Head injuries (concussions or brain bleeds).
• Spinal injuries (herniated discs or spinal cord damage).
• Soft tissue injuries.

Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also creates an initial medical record of the injuries caused by the fall.

Request a Copy of the Incident Report

Once the incident has been reported to the staff, ask for a copy of the incident report. This report should detail:

• The time and date of the fall.
• The location of the fall within the store or facility.
• Descriptions of any hazardous conditions (e.g., a slippery surface or tripping hazard).
• The names of staff members who handled the incident.

If the facility is unwilling to provide a copy of the report right away, document the name of the employee who took the report and follow up later through your attorney. Having an official report will be critical in any legal action you may pursue.

Write Down Your Account of the Incident

It’s important to write down your own account of the fall as soon as possible. This will help preserve the details while they are still fresh in your memory. Include:

• What you were doing before the fall: Were you shopping, walking, or carrying items?
• How the fall occurred: What exactly caused you to slip, trip, or fall?
• Conversations with staff: Record any comments made by employees, especially if they acknowledge the hazard (e.g., “We should have cleaned that up sooner”).

This written account will support your case by providing context and additional details that may not be included in the incident report.

Preserve Evidence and Request Surveillance Footage

Video evidence is one of the most powerful tools in fall down cases. Many facilities have security cameras that may capture the fall and the hazardous condition that caused it. However, this footage may be automatically deleted after a short period. It is the attorney’s responsibility to request the preservation of this video evidence by sending a formal preservation letter to the facility. This letter serves as a legal request to ensure the video is not erased or overwritten. As a client, you should not have to handle this follow-up on your own.

Contact an Experienced Illinois Premises Liability Attorney

After reporting the fall, gathering evidence, and seeking medical attention, it’s important to consult with an experienced Illinois slip and fall lawyer. Your attorney will:

• Investigate the incident: An attorney can obtain records from the facility, including inspection logs and prior complaints about the hazard, to build a strong case.
• Communicate with the insurance company: Insurance adjusters will likely try to downplay your injuries or dispute liability. Your attorney can handle these negotiations, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Secure additional evidence: Your attorney will request the preservation of surveillance footage and may also hire experts to evaluate the scene, inspect your injuries, and quantify your damages.

By having an attorney manage these complex tasks, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the legal process.

Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall incidents often lead to severe injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles, are common from trying to break a fall.
• Head injuries: Falls can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or brain hemorrhages.
• Spinal cord injuries: A fall can lead to herniated discs, spinal fractures, or permanent nerve damage.
• Soft tissue damage: Sprains, torn ligaments, or muscle strains are frequently seen in fall victims.
• Cuts and bruises: In addition to more severe injuries, minor cuts and abrasions may occur.

“When you’ve suffered a fall at a store or facility, reporting the incident immediately is critical for your future legal case. Taking the time to document the hazardous conditions and seeking help from an experienced attorney ensures that you can secure the evidence you need to protect your rights. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how overwhelming a fall injury can be, and we are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.”

John J. Malm & Associates: Protecting Your Rights After a Fall

Reporting a fall down accident promptly and documenting the incident is key to protecting your legal rights. By notifying the store or facility staff, gathering evidence, and working with an experienced attorney, you can build a strong case for compensation. At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois slip and fall attorneys have the expertise to navigate the complexities of personal injury law and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a fall, contact our offices in Naperville or St. Charles for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the process and protect your legal rights every step of the way.