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The Aftermath of a Slip and Fall Accident On the Job

A slip and fall or trip and fall accident can happen in all types of workplaces. Whether it be from office buildings or a construction site; debris, misplaced equipment, and uneven flooring can all cause trip and fall accidents. If you make sure to take the appropriate steps following your trip and fall accident, you can increase your legal protection and help prevent yourself from missing out on compensation for your injuries.

When you do fall at work, you might think to brush it off and immediately return to your job responsibilities. After all, you have work to do, and you don’t want to get in trouble for seeming lazy or falling behind on your job duties. If you tripped and fell at work, however, making sure to take the right steps can help increase the odds that you will receive compensation for the full cost of your injuries.

What to do Immediately After You Fall At Work

Seek Medical Attention

Any time you suffer workplace injuries, even if you think they are minor, you need to seek medical attention. Many companies have policies that require injured employees to immediately seek medical attention. Immediate evaluation of your injuries can protect both you and your company. If you suffered serious injuries, you may require ambulance transport immediately to the emergency room. Minor injuries may result in a trip to urgent care at the end of your business day. When you do seek medical attention, keep track of any documentation of your injuries, which may include:

  • Any scans or x-rays
  • Your medical records, including bills for your visit to a clinic or emergency room
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Any statements made by physicians who examined your injuries

Document Evidence

It’s also super important to record any and all information that gives insight into the cause of your injury. Many things can contribute to trip and fall accidents, ranging from things that your employer should have taken care of to circumstances that no one could have controlled. If you know the cause of your fall, document it. Use your camera phone to snap a quick picture. Take plenty of pictures and even a video of the scene of the accident. If there were any witnesses, get their information as they can confirm what caused the accident to occur. Take an up-close shot of whatever caused you to trip and fall, then take a wider-angle shot of the area as a whole. Your picture of the wider area can help prove a lack of signs or other warnings about potential hazards in the area.

Report the Accident

Your next step should be to report your accident to your superior as soon as possible. Many companies have protocols when injuries occur; it is important that you follow them. In some restaurants, for example, even minor burns may require medical attention and a report. Avoid implicating yourself in your trip and fall or accepting fault. Try to avoid making statements like “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt,” especially if you have not yet seen a medical professional.

Contact a Lawyer

Any time you suffer life-changing injuries in a trip and fall accident at work, you should consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you decide how best to proceed. A lawyer can help you navigate the difficult world of workers’ compensation and provide vital information about protecting your rights throughout your recovery. Not only that, working with a lawyer can help prevent you from making critical errors that may decrease the settlement or compensation that you receive.

About the Author


Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.

His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.