What to Do After a Trip and Fall Accident in Atlanta

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 40% of total accident injuries leading to hospitalizations are due to falls. Older Georgia residents and Hispanic men have the highest rates of serious injury from falling. In Georgia, from 1999 – 2001, almost 1,200 Georgia residents died from fall-related injuries.

Conditions and Injuries Related to a Trip and Fall Incident

Commercial property or residential areas that allow outside parties to visit must be in control of their environment, which should prevent 100% of slip and fall accidents. This is done through planning:

• Keep unused items away in proper storage places
• Keep sidewalks, tile, stairs, and other walking areas properly maintained and repaired
• Check for fallen items, trip hazards, and clutter
• Protect construction areas
• Ensure walking areas are well-lit

Minor and serious injuries can happen when you trip and fall anywhere:

• Soft tissue
• Abrasions, cuts, lacerations
• Dislocations and broken bones
• Head trauma and spinal cord injuries

Visitors or patrons on a property cannot be responsible for tripping or falling hazards because they have no control of those circumstances. When injuries occur on the property of a company or individual after a slip and fall, the victim may be able to get compensation.

Act Immediately After a Fall Accident

Since there will likely not be a written or video record of a slip and fall accident, it’s critical to gather as much documentation and preserved evidence at the time of the accident as possible:

• Get medical attention – Minimize your injury by having it looked at and treated immediately.
• Report – Connect with the property owner or manager as soon as possible. File a report if possible.
• Get photographs – If you are critically injured, you may have to rely on another person to do this. Photograph your injuries at the very least, and the property, if possible.
• Look for witnesses – Depending on the seriousness of the injury, who is nearby and if there’s anyone to help you, this could be easy or hard.
• See your doctor – Follow up with your doctor after an ER trip, if necessary.
• Keep track of your damages – This includes medical costs, time and travel for treatment.
• Contact a good personal injury attorney.

The Georgia statute of limitations states you must file a claim no later than 2 years after the date of the incident. Don’t wait that long to seek compensation for your injuries. The Race Law Firm will work for you to help you receive the full compensation the law allows so you can get on with your life. Call us for a free consultation today.