How to Write a Useful Incident Report After a New York Slip and Fall Accident

Written by
Abraham Jaros
|
Updated on Thursday, Sep 7, 2023

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident, filling out an incident report is one of the first steps you’ll need to take. Since you usually take this step while you’re still on-site, it’s essential to understand the best way to fill out these reports. They’ll serve as evidence in your injury case.

Here’s what you need to know.

How to Notify the Manager

After you slip and fall, you should notify the manager or the most senior employee you can find.

Avoid details, especially those suggesting you were at fault. Just say: I’ve fallen. I need medical attention and to fill out an incident report." Don’t apologize or call yourself clumsy.

Most places will have a specific form you can use, but not everyone will. It’s OK if your report is handwritten on regular paper.

Stick to the Facts

Don’t embellish, and don’t say anything in the report which could indicate you’re taking responsibility for the fall. Include details like:

  • The date, time, and location where you fell
  • The names of everyone involved
  • The names of any witnesses
  • Events leading up to the incident
  • Environmental conditions
  • Damage to equipment or area
  • Everything you already know about the injury you sustained

Here is an example:

On January 6, 2023, I slipped and fell in Aisle 23 at Walmart. A cold puddle on the floor has not been attended to. No signs were present, and the puddle was impossible to see. Judy Franks witnessed the fall. EMTs are on the way.

Include Relevant Details

Note anything that might have made the hazard worse.

For example, were there obstacles that forced you into the path of the hazard? Did anything block your vision? Did you see indications that employees knew about the danger?

Keep a copy of the injury report and pair it with photographs. You should take pictures of your shoes, the hazard, the area, the general conditions, and any injuries you’ve sustained.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer ASAP

The sooner you involve a personal injury lawyer in your slip-and-fall case, the better. If you can call on the same day you are injured, you should.

We can help you navigate the pitfalls that arise as your case progresses.

Schedule a free case review today.

Get the advice and guidance you and your family need

You do not have to go through this alone.

At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, we have over 40 years of experience helping accident victims in New York recover compensation. The clients we represent benefit from the personal attention of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys.

We Have Recovered Over $2 Billion for Our Clients.

The attorneys at Jaroslawicz & Jaros have obtained verdicts and settlements of over $1 Million for hundreds of our individual clients. Since all New York personal injury law firms generally charge the same legal fee why not hire an experienced law firm with a proven track record?

When you retain the New York City accident lawyers at Jaroslawicz & Jaros, you will always work directly with your lawyer, and not with a paralegal or secretary. We will always be available to you! Our hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials speak for themselves.

Experience and a track record of results

Contact the attorneys at Jaroslawicz & Jaros for a free legal consultation regarding your rights and your legal options. If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis so that you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs.

Contact us today for a free consultation

Picture of Abraham Jaros

You can reach partner Abraham Jaros directly, either call his cell 917-842-9544, or email him at ajaros@lawjaros.com. Or call Jaroslawicz & Jaros at 212 227 2780 in New York, or toll free 800-269-2780, or submit an online questionnaire.