The first hours and days matter for both care and documentation. Before you talk to insurance or sign anything, take these steps:
- Get medical evaluation immediately (and insist the injury is fully documented). Head injuries and fractures can be missed without proper exam and imaging.
- Ask for the incident documentation: the fall report, resident assessment updates, and any related shift notes.
- Preserve evidence while it still exists. Request copies of relevant records in writing and ask the facility to preserve any surveillance footage.
- Write down what you know while memories are fresh: location of the fall, who was present, lighting/visibility, and what staff said afterward.
In South Carolina, waiting too long can reduce your options. An early review helps confirm what records to request and whether key deadlines may apply to your situation.


