What To Do After A Slip And Fall Accident In South Carolina

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury. A frightening aspect of a slip and fall accident is that it can happen anywhere, at any time. Anybody can become a victim and suffer serious injuries such as a broken hip, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or even death. Someone healthy and mobile may have a slip and fall accident and suddenly face years of physical pain and financial difficulties.

It is sad but true that many people will suffer a slip and fall accident at some point in their lives, and it might not even be their fault. They could have slipped in a building, on a walkway, or in a parking lot because of an unknown and obscured defect. Owners, tenants and managers of properties have a duty to make safe or warn of dangers that they know or should know about. If they do not, they may be responsible for injuries that occur as a result. That is why it is essential to know what steps to take following an accident on someone else's property.

What is a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip and fall accident happens when a person falls as a result of a defective surface. It could be that the surface was defective as a result of being slippery from a substance, like liquid from a spill, ice, or after being waxed or cleaned. It could be that the surface was designed and constructed defectively. It could be made or covered with the wrong materials or contain an improper and unsafe elevation change. When a person slips and falls as the result of improperly designed or poorly maintained walking surface, they may be entitled to damages for their injuries.

Slip and fall accidents typically result in the affected person falling backward, hitting their backs, tailbones, arms, legs, and even their heads. This could result in a distinct set of injuries, some of which can be debilitating and long-term. For example, the following are common injuries caused by slip and falls:

• Bruises, cuts, and scrapes

• Sprains and fractures on any part of the body that absorbed most of the impact and took most of the falling pressure, such as a hand, forearm, upper arm, spine, pelvis, leg, or ankle.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Spine and nerve damage

• Hip fractures

What Are the Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident?

It is important to act promptly to protect your rights if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident. Do the following to ensure you are in the best possible position for compensation:

1. Seek Medical Treatment

Your health – or the health of a loved one – should be your number one priority following a slip and fall accident. Getting medical attention for your injuries will not only help your recovery, but will also create official documentation of your injuries that will come in handy should you decide to seek compensation.

2. Report the Accident

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere – in a store, on a sidewalk, at work, or even at a friend's apartment. Always record the location of the incident and report it to the manager, owner, or landlord. Request that they make a written report detailing what happened and share a copy with you.

3. Document Everything

If anyone saw your fall, make sure to collect essential contact information such as their name and phone number or email in case you need to recount what they saw. Having an eyewitness can help with your claim. Also, remember to do the following immediately:

• Take pictures of the exact location where you fell, and make sure to photograph any of the conditions that contributed to your injury, like wet spots or unmarked stairs. Time is of the essence as the repair is likely to be made shortly after your fall, sometimes immediately. 

• Document the date, time, and exact location of the accident.

• Jot down what you were doing right before the accident.

• Save everything, such as the shoes and clothing you wore during the accident, and keep it safe in storage. 

4. Get in Touch with an Attorney

If you are considering legal action, the best person on your side is an attorney experienced with slip and fall cases. Getting in touch with an attorney gives you a chance to discuss what happened, the merits of your case, get advice on your next steps, and help you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Injured in a Slip and Fall in South Carolina? Get Legal Help Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, choosing the right lawyer will help relieve you from a potentially stressful situation. Our attorneys at HHP Law Group are ready to meet with you for a free consultation about your accident and legal options. Contact us today to discuss your case.