What should I do after a “Slip and Fall” Incident to protect my rights?
Inspect the area where you fell. Try to determine what caused you to fall. If there are witnesses, be sure and get their names and addresses. This includes not only anyone who actually saw you fall, but also anyone who happened upon the scene right after you fell, and who might have overheard the owner or an employee make a damaging statement.
If you fell in a store or place of business, speak with the manager or supervisor on duty. Make sure there is a written record of the incident, and demand a copy. If anyone makes any statement which suggests that this has occurred before, or that they were aware of the condition which caused your fall, make a mental note and try to get that person’s name. As soon as you are off the premises, write down the name and exactly what the person said and whoever else may have overheard the statement.
If the condition is permanent or semi-permanent (such as an icy sidewalk), have someone take photographs as soon as possible before the condition changes. Even permanent conditions may be changed by the passage of time or by the efforts of a landowner who is afraid of legal liability