What to do if You are Injured in a Slip and Fall Incident

The Abrams Landau team was recently contacted by a person who had slipped and fallen at a fast food restaurant two days before.  At the time of the fall, the store manager took down the customer’s information — name, license number, phone number, and date of birth.  The manager told the customer to expect a call from the food chain’s insurance company that same day. At the time she contacted Abrams Landau, the injured customer had not yet heard from the insurance company, but had been experiencing pain in her right knee, right wrist, and lower back. Under Virginia law, there is no requirement that a fast food store manager (or any property owner for that matter) contact a person who had an accident on the premises.  In this case, the fact that the manager (or anyone else) took information or wrote a report is for THEIR protection, not the customer’s. Herndon injury lawyer Doug Landau advises injured customers as follows:

• Immediately inform the establishment’s manager of the injury.  Take with you a copy of any incident report that is filled out.
• Look around for any witnesses to the accident.  Make sure their contact information is contained within the incident report.
• If you have left without notifying the management, immediately go back and let them know.
• Seek medical attention right away, before the injuries worsen due to neglect.  In the absence of a visit to the ER or doctor, the store owner’s insurance company will assert that you were not actually hurt.
• Avoid giving any tape recorded, written, or other statements to the insurance company or store management/owner.
• Take pictures of the location of the fall.
• Take pictures of your injuries.  Bruises, lacerations, and the like are often worse immediately following an injury and you want to have this evidence.
• Contact an experienced injury lawyer right away.  A licensed injury lawyer with actual experience trying cases on a regular basis will prove invaluable as you move forward.  For example, many stores or establishments have access to surveillance tapes which may be critical evidence.  Your lawyer may be able to help you secure the tape before it is destroyed or recorded over.

“The best way to determine the best lawyer for your case is to see your present (or future) lawyer in action, actually trying a case in court,” advises Lawyer Landau.  “Pick a professional not a pretender.”

If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall incident and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).  Doug Landau extends an open invitation for clients or potential clients to see him in action by observing him in court.  Contact us for details.