What to Do Immediately After a Premises Injury: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sustaining an injury on a premises is quite common. 2.6 million injuries occurred in the workplace in 2023, many of them slip and falls. Whether it’s a slip and fall at a grocery store, an injury from a broken handrail, or an accident due to hazardous conditions, knowing what to do immediately afterward is crucial for your health and any potential legal claim. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to navigating the immediate aftermath of a premises injury and recommendations before contacting a trusted premises liability lawyer.

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Before diving into the details of a premises liability claim, remember that your health is the absolute first priority. Immediately check yourself for injuries. If you are injured, call for emergency medical assistance (911) or have someone do it for you.

Even if your injuries seem minor, seek a professional medical evaluation as soon as possible. There are 6.3 million fractures a year, with fracture rates higher in the 65+ age group, and 69,000 TBI-related deaths.

2. Report the Incident

Notify the property owner, manager, supervisor, or an employee about the incident as soon as possible. Request that they document the incident in an official report and ask for a copy for your records. Many businesses have procedures for filing accident reports. This report creates an official record of the incident, making it harder for the property owner to later deny the incident occurred on their property or dispute the details.

If the property owner or manager refuses to create an official report, make your own detailed written record of the interaction, noting who you spoke to and when.

3. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

Conditions at an accident scene can change quickly, so it’s important to act fast.

Take photos or videos of the accident scene from multiple angles and distances. Capture any hazardous conditions that contributed to your injury, such as wet floors, spills, obstructions, broken stairs, uneven pavement, inadequate lighting, or lack of warning signs. Include pictures of your injuries and the surrounding area. This visual evidence helps establish the dangerous conditions and the property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment. 5.1 out of every 100 people that work in grocery stores gets injured, and often, the employer is to blame.

4. Be Cautious with Statements

Be polite when discussing the incident, but avoid apologizing or admitting any fault, even if you feel embarrassed. Such statements could be used against you later. It’s generally better to say as little as possible to the property owner or their representatives. Let your premises liability attorney handle communications, especially with insurance adjusters. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without first consulting your lawyer, as these can be manipulated or used against you.

5. Consult with a Premises Liability Attorney

An attorney can explain your legal rights and options, assess the merits of your case, and guide you through the complex claims process.

They can help gather further evidence (like surveillance footage, maintenance logs, or inspection reports), identify all potentially liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and an attorney will advocate on your behalf.

Act fast, and you can build a strong premises liability claim.