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A slip and fall accident that causes injury and results from the negligence of a property owner could entitle you to a money award through a lawsuit. An accident report, while not required, may help establish the facts of the accident and could be valuable in a legal action. The process of completing an accident report is slightly different depending on whether the accident happened at a place of business, a private residence or on government property.

How To Complete An Accident Report

Follow the guidelines below in completing an accurate and timely slip and fall accident report. The report should be made the same day if possible.

Claims Against A Business

A fall that occurs at a store or other place of business should be immediately reported to the manager or another responsible on-duty employee. The store may have a slip and fall incident report form provided by the company that insures the property, such as this.

Claims Against A Government Entity

Injury claims against a federal, state or city governmental entity have strict notice deadlines. In New York City, you must submit a personal injury claim form (available here) within 90 days of the accident. Note that this form implies that you intend to file a lawsuit. To buy yourself some time, consider submitting a notice of intention to file a claim, which extends the deadline for serving and filing a claim within two years of the date of the accident. A notice of intention should contain the same information as a claim, except that you need not specify your losses. An experienced lawyer at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., can help you comply with all notice requirements to avoid putting your claim at risk. Let us deal with the bureaucracy while you focus on getting better.

Claims Against A Homeowner Or Landlord

If you are injured in an accident at a rented or managed property, an incident report form may be available. It’s very unlikely that a private homeowner will have a report form. In any event, you can compile a record of what happened to you, making sure to include information such as:

  • The time and location of the incident.
  • A description of the incident.
  • Weather, lighting and walking surface conditions.
  • The names, contact information, and comments of any witnesses.
  • A description of your injuries.

What To Do After A Slip And Fall Accident In New York City

There are some other steps you can take to protect your interests after a slip and fall incident, such as:

  • Take photos of the area where the accident happened.
  • Seek treatment for your injuries and don’t miss any scheduled appointments.
  • Get the names and contact information of witnesses.
  • Safely store the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the accident. Don’t clean them first.
  • Don’t give any statements to the property owner’s insurance company.
  • Discuss what happened with an attorney.

The New York City personal injury lawyers at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., have secured significant recoveries for slip and fall victims in the past. We seek nothing less than the best resolution possible for each and every client. Let us help you understand your rights and options through a free legal evaluation. Contact us now by phone or fill out a contact form.

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