Almost everyone in San Bernardino raves about the sunshine, mountains in the distance, and a laid-back California vibe. But those who have worked in one of the many warehouses, offices, or healthcare facilities here will attest to the fact that accidents at work aren’t some distant possibility. They can and do happen, even in places you least expect.
If you’re in San Bernardino or anywhere nearby and you’ve had a workplace fall, you need to think clearly and act fast, not just for your health but also for your legal protection. Talk to a San Bernardino slip and fall accident lawyer without fail.
But even before calling a lawyer, there are some specific, essential steps you need to take right away. These actions can either protect your rights or complicate matters down the road if you fail to take them.
Here are a few of them:
Check for Injuries
In the moment after you fall, you might feel embarrassed or want to shake it off, especially if people saw you. But before you worry about how it looked, focus on how you think. Your body will often go into shock, and adrenaline can hide the pain. You might have twisted your ankle, hit your head, or pulled a muscle without even realizing it.
Even if nothing feels broken or bleeding, it’s still a good idea to get checked out. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, don’t show symptoms right away but can become serious within hours. See a doctor or ask your employer if they have a designated medical provider.
That doctor’s report is more than just a health check; it’s your first line of defense if anyone tries to say your injury wasn’t work-related. Trust me, it happens more often than you’d think.
Tell Your Employer in Writing
As soon as your injuries are handled, the next thing you need to do is report the accident to your supervisor. Make sure it gets written down. Many workplaces have official forms for this purpose, and even if they don’t require you to fill one out, ask for it.
Some employers might subtly try to downplay what happened, but don’t let that stop you. You need the report because it confirms the accident occurred when and where you reported it. If it’s not written down, it’s like it didn’t happen.
Be sure to obtain a copy of the report for your records. That way, if any issues arise later, you have proof.
Take Photos and Collect Any Evidence You Can
Before anything changes at the scene, that is, before someone cleans up the spill or moves a box out of the way, take pictures. Use your phone to snap photos of exactly where and how you fell. Capture the floor condition, any objects that were in your way, warning signs (or the lack of them), and anything else that might explain why you fell.
Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh. Also, hang on to any clothes or shoes you were wearing, especially if they got torn, wet, or stained. Those items might help show what kind of environment you were working in, which can be important later if someone tries to argue it was just bad footing.
Think About Getting Legal Help
If your injuries are severe or your employer starts acting shady, it’s a smart move to get a lawyer involved. You need someone familiar with the intricacies of your local system. A San Bernardino attorney can help you figure out exactly what steps to take next.
An experienced lawyer will look over your medical records, your workplace report, and any witness statements to build your case.
They can also talk to your employer’s insurance company on your behalf, which helps take a lot of pressure off you. If your case goes to court or a settlement negotiation, a good lawyer will know how to handle that, too.
