1. Put immediate safety first.
Put your health first and seek appropriate medical attention. If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 911. Do not delay care or put yourself at risk to take photographs or gather information.
2. Document what you safely can.
Photograph the condition and surrounding area only if it is safe. Note the location, time and available witness information, and ask how to obtain any incident report. You do not need every record before contacting the firm.
3. Keep the paperwork together.
Save incident reports, photographs, insurance correspondence, medical records, receipts and information about time missed from work. Keep these records for your own reference. Do not upload medical records or other sensitive documents to the initial contact form.
4. Write down what you remember.
A short factual timeline is useful: where you were, what happened, who was present and what happened next. Separate what you personally saw from what someone else told you. Let the firm know if there may be relevant surveillance footage or maintenance records.
5. Understand a document before signing.
A release or settlement can affect your rights. Ask questions about anything you do not understand and consider speaking to a lawyer before agreeing.
6. Ask about deadlines promptly.
Deadlines depend on the circumstances and the parties involved. Claims involving government entities can have separate, earlier requirements. Ask a lawyer promptly about the deadlines that may apply rather than relying on a general rule.
Common questions
Does a fall automatically mean the property owner is responsible?
No. A fall alone does not establish liability. The condition, who controlled the property, what was known or reasonably discoverable, and how the injury happened all matter. A case review considers the facts together.
What if I could not take photos or get an incident report?
Put safety and medical care first. Start with the information you have, including when and where the fall happened. Tell the firm which records may exist and which ones you do not have.
Is a fall on public property different?
It can be. Claims involving a government entity may involve different legal requirements and separate, earlier deadlines. Ask a lawyer promptly rather than assuming an ordinary personal injury timeline applies.