Three examples of an incident report or notification letter you might send after a slip and fall (premises liability) accident.
If you're thinking about bringing an injury claim after any kind of slip and fall accident, one of your first steps should be notifying any person or business who may be responsible (whether from a legal or financial standpoint) for what happened. Let's get a brief overview of these kinds of notification letters, and then walk through three samples of what they might look like in the real world.
What Is a Slip and Fall Injury Claim Notification Letter?
This letter is simply a heads-up to anyone who might be on the legal or financial hook for your slip and fall injuries, in which you give them official word about:
- what happened, and
- your intent to make an injury claim.
Depending on the specifics of your situation, you might send a separate incident report or notification letter to:
- the property owner
- the property owner's insurer, and
- your own insurance carrier (in some cases).
Your notification or report can just be in the form of a short letter providing only basic information and requesting a written response acknowledging receipt of your notification. You can print out the letter and send it through the regular mail, or you can use email and send the letter as an attachment to a brief "cover letter"-type message to the recipient.
Whatever method you use to send the notification, don't get into issues like fault for the accident or the extent of your injuries ("damages"). That will come later. For now, just include the date, approximate time of day, and general location of the accident.
Learn more about writing your injury notification letter.
Sample Notification Letter to Business After a Slip and Fall
Robin Smith
6922 Main Way
Sintex, NH 00000
[email protected]
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 email or by letter) of the name and address of your insurance carrier, and acknowledge your receipt of this notification.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Sincerely,
[signature]
Robin Smith
Sample Slip and Fall Notification Letter to Business's Insurer
Robin Smith
6922 Main Way
Sintex, NH 00000
(111) 443-4433
[email protected]
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 acknowledge receipt of this notification and confirm in writing (by email or by letter) 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
Sample Letter to Residential Property Owner After Slip and Fall Accident
Walter Pasheha
37 9th Avenue North
South Fork, IN 00000
[email protected]
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, by email or by letter, acknowledging receipt of this notification.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Very truly yours,
[signature]
Walter Pasheha
What Happens Next?
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. Your goal is to negotiate a fair settlement of your slip and fall case. It might make sense to handle the process on your own If you're comfortable doing so, or you may want to discuss your situation with a personal injury lawyer.
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).
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