You may assume that a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, is the safest place you can be when trying to heal from your injuries or illnesses. However, some external factors may come into play and you may tragically incur further damages. That is, you may wind up slipping and falling inside or outside its premises. Well, continue reading to learn what to do if you slip and fall in a hospital and how an experienced New York City slip and fall injury attorney at Mark L. Bodner, P.C. can take the lead on your case.
How might I slip and fall in a hospital?
The owner of the hospital facility, along with its staff, is responsible for clearing the premises of any conditions that may be potentially dangerous for its patients, visitors, and employees who frequent it. So when these parties fail to uphold their given responsibility, a slip and fall accident may occur inside or outside the property. More specific examples of how this might come about are as follows:
- The hospital stairwell may have a loose handrail or missing step.
- The hospital room may have broken floor tiles or lifted carpeting.
- The hospital hallways may have wet floors without the proper signage posted.
- The hospital elevator may still be used even after missing its periodic inspection.
- The hospital may have medical equipment and electronic cables cluttering the hallways.
- The hospital bathrooms may have loose grab bars or other faulty handicap-accessible features.
- The hospital parking lot may not have handicap-accessible parking spots, walkways, ramps, etc.
What should I do if I slip and fall in a hospital?
Since you are already present in a hospital facility, it may only make sense to seek medical attention immediately after your slip and fall accident. This is so a medical professional may quickly deduce the extent of your injuries and the treatment needed to cure them. This may also serve as the evidence you need to have a strong personal injury claim in the future. Besides getting medical help, below are the other steps you should take after your slip and fall in the hospital:
- Call a law enforcement officer to the hospital so that they may write an official accident report.
- Ask the hospital facility owner or a staff member to conduct an official slip and fall incident report.
- Ask the hospital security team for a copy of the surveillance camera footage that captured your accident.
- Take photos and videos of your visible injuries and the dangerous condition that caused your accident to occur.
- Speak with witnesses who saw your slip and fall accident firsthand and ask about their willingness to testify later on.
- Save the medical records, medical bills, assistive devices, and medication bottles you have received since your accident.
In conclusion, we understand just how delicate this situation may be for you. If you need an emotional support system that doubles as a legal support system, look no further than Mark L. Bodner, P.C. Retain the services of a skilled New York City personal injury attorney today.