If you're thinking about making an injury claim after a slip and fall accident, it's important to notify any party who may be responsible (whether from a legal or financial standpoint). You'll probably want to send a separate incident report or notification letter to:
(Learn more about who is financially liable after a slip and fall.)
Your notification or report can just be in the form of a simple typed letter that provides only basic information and requests a written response. Don't get into issues like fault for the accident or the extent of your injuries. Discussion of these issues will come later. For now, just include the date, approximate time of day, and general location of the accident.
Before you send your notice, make sure you understand the basics about what to include, what to leave out, and why. See our article on writing your injury notification letter for some tips and guidance.
Below are three sample notification letters that might be sent after a slip and fall accident.
Robin Smith
6922 Main Way
Sintex, NH 00000
February 12, 20xx
Snack-n-Chat Restaurant
666 Alamo Circle
Grinel, NH 00000
To Whom It Concerns:
At approximately 8:00 p.m. on February 9, 20xx I was a customer in your restaurant when I slipped just outside the entrance to the restaurant and fell, injuring myself.
Please refer this matter to your insurance carrier. Please also inform me by letter at the above address of the name and address of your insurance carrier.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Robin Smith
Robin Smith
6922 Main Way
Sintex, NH 00000
(111) 443-4433
February 20, 20xx
Claims Department
All Risk Insurance Company
6000 Breakneck Boulevard
Houston, TX 12355
Re: Your Insured: Snack-n-Chat Restaurant
Claimant: Robin Smith
Date of Accident: February 9, 20xx
To Whom It Concerns:
Please be advised that I received injuries in an accident on February 9, 20xx on the premises of your insured, the Snack-n-Chat Restaurant. Please confirm in writing to the above address that your company has issued liability coverage to the Snack-n-Chat Restaurant.
Please also advise whether Snack-n-Chat Restaurant contends that anyone other than the Snack-n-Chat Restaurant may be in whole or in part legally responsible for accidents on or near the premises.
As requested, please respond in writing. If necessary, I may be reached by telephone at the above number between the hours of 7:30–8:30 a.m. or 6:30–9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Yours truly,
[signature]
Robin Smith
Walter Pasheha
37 9th Avenue North
South Fork, IN 00000
February 12, 20xx
Norbert and Rosetta Stone
3757 East Bowden Lane
South Fork, IN 00000
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stone:
On February 9, 20xx I was injured in front of your residence in a fall caused by children's toys (wooden blocks and chalk sticks) left on the sidewalk. Please refer this matter to the insurance carrier of your homeowner's liability insurance policy and have the insurance carrier contact me directly at the above address.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Very truly yours,
[signature]
Walter Pasheha
Once you've sent your notification, you'll want to organize your evidence, figure out the value of your slip and fall case, and then work on your demand letter.
For all the in-depth information you'll need to navigate your slip and fall case, get How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim, by Joseph L. Matthews (Nolo).