What you do right after the fall can affect what evidence exists later. If you can, focus on these actions:
- Get the immediate medical record trail. Ask for the ER/urgent care notes, imaging reports, and discharge paperwork (if applicable).
- Request the incident paperwork by name. Specifically ask for the fall report, shift notes, any fall-risk assessment updates, and the resident’s care plan sections tied to mobility/safety.
- Preserve surveillance information. If the facility has hallways/common areas covered by cameras, ask what video exists and what the retention policy is.
- Write down what you learn from staff—without arguing. Capture who was present, what they said about the circumstances, and how they describe the response.
If the facility tells you “it was unavoidable,” don’t panic—just gather the records. Many preventable-fall cases hinge on what was known before the fall and whether precautions were actually in place.


