It can happen in an instant, when you least expect it. You’re walking along carefree one minute, and the next you’re face-down or sitting on your rear. You slipped and fell because of some trip or falling hazard. It may have been a wet surface, a wrinkle in a rug or uneven flooring. Whatever the reason, you need to know what to do next after your fall.

Seek Medical Care

The most important thing to do is to get medical attention right away. You should do it even if you feel fine. You may be in shock and not realize the extent of your injuries right away. Some injuries don’t hurt until later. While this is important in any incident, it becomes critical if you hit your head. Head injuries can lead to brain trauma, and you may not notice any symptoms for days or weeks.

Report the Incident

Regardless of where the slip and fall occurred, you should let the property owner know. If it happens at a friend’s house, they will probably be there, but they may not be aware of what occurred. If it happens in a store, you should contact the manager. The owner, manager or landlord will likely ask you questions about the incident, so ask for a copy of the written report.

Keep Good Documentation

Write down everything you remember about the incident. This includes details like the date, time of day and the weather if it happened outside. Recall what you were doing when you fell and what your surroundings looked like. Don’t forget to include what you wearing in your report. Take pictures of the area if you feel well enough after the incident. Gather names and contact information of any witnesses.

Avoid Answering Questions

Once you have reported the incident, don’t provide any other information to anyone, including the insurance company of the property owner. You will need to talk to your doctor if you need follow-up care but limit other interactions on the incident until you’ve talked to an attorney. Don’t post anything about it on social media. Most importantly, don’t take the blame or blame anyone else.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Contact an attorney who is experienced in personal injury cases. Tell them your story, so they can help you determine your next course of action. Do this immediately. Many people make the mistake of waiting until the responsible party fails to pay for medical care or accepts liability. It’s much more difficult to prove a slip and fall claim after the fact. The sooner you have someone representing you, the easier it is for them to get the facts.

You may need to file a claim for your incident if you suffered an injury. The liable party should pay for your medical costs and other expenses associated with the accident. An experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injury if the other party is to blame.