What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall can happen in seconds, but the injuries and insurance problems can last much longer. What you do after the fall can affect your health and your claim.
After a slip and fall, many people feel embarrassed and try to move on quickly. That is understandable, but it can be a mistake. Reporting the fall, documenting the hazard, getting medical care, and saving evidence can make a major difference.
Check Yourself for Injuries First
After a fall, take a moment before standing up. You may be hurt more seriously than you realize.
Falls can cause wrist fractures, hip injuries, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, head injuries, back pain, neck pain, sprains, bruising, and concussions.
If you hit your head, feel dizzy, have severe pain, or cannot move normally, ask someone to call for medical help.
Report the Fall Immediately
Report the fall to the property owner, store manager, landlord, supervisor, or employee on duty. Do this before leaving the location if possible.
Ask for an incident report. If one is created, request a copy or take a photo of it if allowed.
If they refuse to provide a copy, write down who you reported it to, their job title, the date, the time, and what they said.
Reporting helps create a record
If you leave without reporting the fall, the property owner or insurance company may later claim they had no idea anything happened.
Take Photos and Videos of the Hazard
Photos can be extremely important in slip and fall cases because the dangerous condition may be cleaned, repaired, moved, or hidden soon after the fall.
Photograph anything that may have caused the fall
- Wet floors
- Spilled liquid
- Food or debris on the floor
- Broken steps
- Uneven flooring
- Loose mats or rugs
- Ice or snow
- Poor lighting
- Missing warning signs
- Damaged pavement
Take wide photos of the area and close up photos of the hazard. If possible, record a short video showing the surrounding area.
Look for Warning Signs
Warning signs can affect a slip and fall claim, but they do not automatically defeat the case.
If there was no sign, take photos showing that. If there was a sign, take photos showing where it was placed and whether it was visible.
A warning sign far away from the hazard or hidden from view may not be enough.
Get Witness Information
Witnesses can help confirm what caused the fall and how the property owner or employees responded.
Helpful witnesses may include
- Other customers
- Employees
- Tenants
- Delivery drivers
- Security guards
- People who helped you after the fall
Ask for names and phone numbers. Do not rely on the business to collect witness information for you.
Injured in a Slip and Fall in St. Louis or Kansas City?
M.E. Law Group helps injured people in Missouri understand their options after falls on unsafe property. Before dealing with the insurance company, make sure evidence is protected.
Look for Surveillance Cameras
Many stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, parking lots, and businesses have surveillance cameras.
Video may show the fall, the hazard, how long the hazard existed, whether employees walked past it, or whether warning signs were present.
Video footage may be deleted quickly. A lawyer can help request that the footage be preserved.
Get Medical Care
Do not wait too long to get medical treatment after a fall. Even if you think the injury is minor, symptoms may get worse later.
Medical records help show what injuries were caused by the fall and what treatment was needed.
If you delay care, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the fall.
Save Your Shoes and Clothing
Keep the shoes and clothing you wore when you fell. Do not wash, repair, or throw them away.
Shoes may become important if the property owner claims your footwear caused the fall. Clothing may show water, dirt, grease, or other substances from the hazard.
Write Down What Happened
As soon as possible, write down your memory of the fall. Details can fade quickly.
Write down these details
- Date and time of the fall
- Exact location
- What caused you to fall
- Whether warning signs were present
- Who you reported it to
- Witness names
- Symptoms you felt afterward
- What employees or managers said
Be Careful With Insurance Companies
After a slip and fall, an insurance company may contact you. They may ask for a recorded statement or try to get you to explain what happened before you fully understand your injuries or legal rights.
Be honest, but do not guess. Avoid detailed statements before speaking with a lawyer if you are unsure.
What Must Be Proven in a Slip and Fall Case?
A slip and fall claim usually requires more than showing that you fell. You generally need evidence that a dangerous condition existed and that the property owner or responsible party failed to address it properly.
A slip and fall case may require proof that
- A dangerous condition existed
- The owner knew or should have known about it
- The owner failed to fix it or warn people
- The condition caused the fall
- The fall caused damages
Common Slip and Fall Locations
Slip and fall accidents often happen at
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Apartment complexes
- Parking lots
- Hotels
- Gas stations
- Retail stores
- Office buildings
- Sidewalks
- Public buildings
Mistakes to Avoid After a Slip and Fall
Avoid these mistakes
- Leaving without reporting the fall
- Failing to photograph the hazard
- Waiting too long to get medical care
- Throwing away your shoes or clothing
- Giving a recorded statement too early
- Posting about the fall online
- Assuming the property owner will preserve evidence
- Accepting a quick settlement without understanding your damages
How M.E. Law Group Can Help
Slip and fall cases can be difficult because property owners and insurance companies often deny responsibility. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, request video footage, gather medical records, identify witnesses, and deal with the insurance company.
M.E. Law Group helps injured people in St. Louis, Kansas City, and across Missouri understand their rights after falls on unsafe property.
If you were hurt in a fall, do not let the insurance company dismiss your experience without a proper investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case if I slipped and fell in a store?
You may have a case if a dangerous condition caused your fall and the store knew or should have known about it.
What if I did not report the fall right away?
You may still have a claim, but failing to report the fall can make the case harder. Report it as soon as possible and document what happened.
What if there was a wet floor sign?
A warning sign does not automatically defeat a claim. Its placement, visibility, and whether it properly warned of the hazard may still matter.
Should I save my shoes after a fall?
Yes. Shoes can become important evidence if the property owner or insurance company tries to blame your footwear.
Should I talk to the insurance company?
Be careful. Insurance adjusters may ask questions designed to reduce your claim. It is smart to get legal guidance before giving detailed or recorded statements.
This page is for general information only and does not create an attorney client relationship. Every case is different. Speak with a qualified Missouri personal injury lawyer about your specific situation.