Should A Slip And Fall Accident Report Be Filled Out At The Time Of The Incident?

Video Transcript

Should A Slip-And-Fall Accident Report Be Filled Out At The Time Of The Incident?

Absolutely not. Many stores do not write up accident incident or occurrence reports, even when they are supposed to. Whether or not an accident report is filled out does not determine whether the case, lawsuit or claim has validity.

Oftentimes, an accident report will be filled out. However, these establishments will usually not permit the injured party to sign or fill out the accident report because the store does not want the injured party’s statement on the accident report. This is because the victim’s statement will often be detrimental to the store and does not help the establishment in defending against a claim where the store was negligent and failed to use proper care in maintaining the location in question.

When businesses and stores fill out reports, it is usually done to protect them or potentially benefit them so you don’t really get a full, complete or accurate history of what caused the accident. These reports often do not even have an area that calls for an investigation after the accident to determine or indicate what the cause of the accident was. This is purposefully done so there is no explanation readily apparent as to why there was an accident.

The employee in charge of reporting the accident is fully aware of what went on and why the accident happened. As a lawyer who has handled countless numbers of slip-and-fall accidents in stores, it never ceases to amaze me how little information exists on these reports intentionally.

But, ultimately, the truth will come out. But most importantly, you should know merely because no accident report exists does not mean you cannot assert your right to achieve full compensation for the wrongs committed against you.

For a free consultation with the Law Offices of Ira M. Perlman, P.C. & Robert D. Rosen, P.C., call 212-668-0100 or complete our online contact form.