Knowing what to do after you slip and fall can make a big difference in how your situation is handled. Start by taking care of your health, gathering key details, and holding on to anything that could support your side of the story. These early steps can help protect your well-being and make it easier to move forward if you choose to file a Nashville slip and fall accident claim.
Prioritize Your Health and Safety Right Away
Right after a fall, your body may feel okay because of adrenaline or shock. Serious pain, stiffness, or balance issues often show up later, once you are home and trying to rest. Take your symptoms seriously from the start, even if they seem small at first.
Get Checked Out by a Doctor As Soon As You Can
Early care helps your body heal and shows others you took the situation seriously. If you wait too long, it may be harder to connect your injuries to the fall later on.
Mention All Symptoms, Not Just the “Big Ones”
Pain in your head, back, or neck might not feel urgent at first but can point to something more serious. Dizziness, fatigue, or blurry vision can also mean something deeper is going on.
Keep Track of How Your Pain or Mobility Changes
Use a notebook or the notes app on your phone to jot down how you feel each day. Writing things down in real time can help show how your injury is affecting your life.
Document the Details While Everything Is Still Fresh
Most Nashville premises liability claims often come down to what was recorded, remembered, or preserved at the time of the fall. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-34-2, property owners can be held accountable for dangerous conditions, but that accountability often depends on what you can show. Here are a few things you can do while everything is still fresh:
- Write down exactly what caused you to fall, including location and surface conditions
- Ask any witnesses for their names and phone numbers
- Take photos of the scene from different angles before anything is moved
- Save the shoes you were wearing so you can show how they handled the surface
- Report the fall to the property manager or on-site staff
- Ask for a copy of any incident report or form you filled out
- Write down your own memory of the fall while it is still fresh
- Keep every piece of medical discharge paperwork, including visit summaries and instructions
Organize What You Will Need in Case You Decide to File a Claim
You do not have to make a decision about filing a Nashville injury claim right away, but if you take time to get organized now, it will be easier to take action later if you choose to move forward. This is especially true in cases involving spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain damage, or other outcomes that continue to affect your daily life.
Start a Folder or Digital File With All Your Records
Keep track of anything related to your care, like discharge notes, medical bills, appointment reminders, and injury photos. Whether you prefer a physical folder or a notes app, having everything in one place will help.
Write Down a Timeline of What Happened
It can be hard to remember the little details after a few days. Write down dates, times, locations, and anything you remember about conversations or staff interactions.
Check for Any Video or Written Reports You Can Request
Ask for surveillance video, incident reports, or maintenance logs if they exist. Saving these early on can prevent them from being deleted or forgotten.