If you’ve slipped, tripped, or fallen due to someone else’s negligence—whether it’s at a grocery store, on a broken sidewalk, or in a parking lot—it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your health and your legal rights. At Law Offices of Scott M. Syat, P.C., we have helped countless clients navigate these cases successfully. Here’s what to do if you’re injured in a fall and may want to bring a claim or lawsuit.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal soft tissue damage, may not be immediately obvious. Prompt medical documentation will also serve as critical evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
2. Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or employee on-site as soon as possible. If you’re in a commercial location (like a store or restaurant), ask them to create a written incident report and request a copy. If you fall on public property, such as a city sidewalk, reporting the incident to the relevant town or city department is essential, and time-sensitive.
3. Document the Scene
If you’re physically able to do so (or can have someone help you), take the following steps right away:
• Photograph the scene, including the hazard (e.g., ice, broken tile, uneven pavement)
• Take pictures of your injuries
• Get the names and contact info of any witnesses
• Note the time, date, and weather conditions (if relevant)
• Record what you were doing and wearing (shoes, etc.) at the time
Conditions can change quickly—ice melts, spills are cleaned, and businesses repair defects—so preserving this evidence is crucial.
4. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Adjusters
If an insurance company contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or accept any quick settlement offer without speaking to an attorney first. Adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or claim that you were at fault. Politely refer them to your attorney.
5. Preserve Physical Evidence
Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall, especially if they were damaged or show signs of the accident (e.g., blood stains, torn fabric). Don’t wash or alter them. These items could become important evidence.
6. Call Law Offices of Scott M. Syat, P.C. at (617)773-3500
Every fall case is different. Liability depends on where you fell, the condition of the property, and whether the owner had notice of the hazard. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
• Investigate the scene
• Obtain surveillance footage or maintenance records
• Interview witnesses
• Handle communication with insurance companies
• Determine your eligibility for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
Most importantly, we ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires—which is typically three years from the date of injury in Massachusetts, though it can be shorter for claims against public entities.
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Don’t Delay—Take Action After a Fall
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, early action makes a big difference. Contact our office at (617)773-3500 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and help you take the right steps to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.