What you do early can affect what can be proven later.
- Get medical care immediately and document symptoms. If the resident hits their head, has trouble walking afterward, or shows confusion, request that findings are clearly recorded.
- Ask for the incident report and fall documentation right away. In Arkansas, families often need to request records promptly so they don’t arrive incomplete.
- Write down the details while they’re fresh. Include where the fall occurred (hallway, bathroom, common area), approximate time, what the resident was doing, whether anyone was nearby, and what staff said afterward.
- Preserve communications. Save emails, portal messages, discharge papers, and any written notices from the facility.
- If video may exist, ask about preservation. Facilities sometimes keep surveillance on a schedule—ask what is available and how long it’s retained.
If you’re overwhelmed, don’t wait to reach out. A short intake call can help you identify which documents matter most for the case.


