Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide – next only to automobile accident-related deaths. Each year, about 684,000 individuals die from falls across the globe, with adults older than 60 being the most susceptible. In the US alone, there are about 3 million emergency department visits from the older population. One in every three of these visits has led to extended hospitalizations.
Among reported fall cases in the US, about 37% have been reported to have required additional medical treatments or restricted activity. Untimely slip and falls may result in injuries such as:
- Broken Bones
- Head Injuries
- Psychological Trauma
For individuals suffering from serious injuries, you may take further legal action if your suffering is caused by another party’s negligence. Property owners, businesses, employers, event organizers, or even the government may be held liable for slip and fall accidents.
In 2023, the city of New York paid $739.6 million in settlements for all personal injury cases filed against them. With 24,162 reported tort claims, the city paid out an average of $30,610 per claim.
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7 Tips for Documenting Slip and Fall Accidents
In slip and fall incidents, a person's health should remain the priority. Through personal injury claims, victims may be rightfully compensated for any injuries and damages they have incurred from an accident. Expert personal injury lawyers do their best to win cases so that slip-and-fall victims may recuperate in the best way possible.
At the same time, one can take some time-sensitive steps to strengthen their personal injury claim. They are as follows:
- Report the incident to the owner/manager immediately. This creates an official record, prevents claims of unawareness, and may prompt swift action to address the hazard. It's crucial for establishing timely notification.
- Take photographs and videos of the incident. Actual footage of hazards, and injuries may serve as objective evidence. They capture conditions that may change and support your account of the incident.
- Gather witness information. Collect names, contact details, and brief statements from bystanders. Their unbiased accounts can corroborate your events and provide valuable perspectives on the incident.
- Preserve all physical evidence. Keep your clothes and shoes unwashed. These items may contain marks or substances that substantiate your account. They could be crucial if expert examination is needed later.
- Record details promptly. Write down specifics like date, time, location, and circumstances while memory is fresh. Note any relevant factors like weather or lack of warning signs.
- Obtain incident report copies. These official documents often contain important details. Having your own copy ensures you're aware of all recorded information about the accident.
- Keep all medical records. Keep all documentation of injuries and treatments. These establish the link between the accident and your injuries, crucial for any claims or legal action.
By following these steps, your legal team may be better equipped to fight for your claim. This also betters your chance at getting properly compensated.
How Do You Write a Slip and Fall Report?
Many various entities will be involved in your slip and fall cases. While there's no single official template, using a comprehensive form that covers all necessary details is crucial. If you need a specific template, consulting with a local personal injury attorney would be advisable. They can provide forms tailored to New York law and your specific situation.
Many legal teams, businesses, and institutions have developed their own standardized forms. Such templates are developed to streamline the processing of slip and fall cases. Here are some notable considerations:
| Involved Party | Consideration |
| New York Workers' Compensation Board | For workplace accidents, there's an official C-3 Employee Claim form. |
| Property Owners/Businesses | Many businesses have their own internal incident report forms. These should cover all essential information that could help these parties mitigate such accidents from happening again. |
| Legal Teams | Law firms often develop their own templates for clients to use. These are designed to gather all relevant information crucial for potential lawsuits. |
| Insurance Companies | Insurance providers usually have specific forms for reporting incidents. |
Make sure that all accounts on the report match and are complete. Your personal information, incident details, additional witness information, injury description, and the property’s conditions are some of the most crucial information to nail. Be as accurate and factual as you possibly can. Make sure to read and review everything before signing anything.
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Reporting Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
Apart from professional law practitioners, you may also consult with local police authorities for some guidance on your slip and fall accidents. While police reports may not be the most crucial evidence in slip-and-fall claims, it is a good start for promptly processing your case.
| AREAS SERVED | MAIN | DIRECTORY |
| Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming | 585-344-6200 | Troop A |
| Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, St. Lawrence | 518-897-2000 | Troop B |
| Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins | 607-561-7400 | Troop C |
| Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego | 315-366-6000 | Troop D |
| Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Yates | 585-398-4100 | Troop E |
| Greene, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster | 845-344-5300 | Troop F |
| Albany, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington | 518-783-3211 | Troop G |
| Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester | 845-677-7300 | Troop K |
| Nassau, Suffolk | 631-756-3300 | Troop L |
| Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond | 212-459-7800 | Troop NYC |
While speaking to the local police is a good first step, keep in mind that they may respond differently in cases where no urgent help is needed. In less severe slip-and-fall accidents, they would typically refer individuals to more appropriate channels. Only professional personal injury lawyers would take steps tailored for your needs.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven personal injury lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of negligence, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
