In New York, time matters—especially when you need incident documentation, video preservation, and medical records that describe the injury and the care provided afterward. The first days after a fall often determine what evidence is available.
Consider taking these steps right away:
- Get the medical evaluation and keep discharge instructions and follow-up plans.
- Request the incident report and any internal fall-risk documentation from the time period around the fall.
- Ask whether surveillance exists and request preservation immediately if staff mentioned cameras, alarms, or monitoring systems.
- Write down what you remember: where the resident was, what time the fall occurred, what the resident was doing (walking, transferring, toileting), and who was present.
- Keep communications in writing (emails/letters). Verbal explanations can be hard to use later.
If you’re worried the facility will delay or provide incomplete information, that’s a strong reason to contact a lawyer early.


