Slip and Fall

You Slipped and Fell. Now What? Your Quick Guide to Protecting Your Rights.

We’ve all had that moment. One second you’re walking through a store, the next you’re on the ground. Your first feeling is embarrassment. Then, pain sets in.

Your mind starts racing: “Did I just trip over my own feet?” “Maybe I should just get up and pretend I’m okay.”

But stop right there. If you fell because of a dangerous condition—a wet floor with no sign, a broken step, or a loose rug—the property owner may be responsible. What you do in the hours and days after a slip and fall accident is critical. Let’s cut through the confusion and focus on action.

First, Know This: Not Every Fall is Your Fault

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. A slip and fall case isn’t about accidents that are truly your fault. It’s about falls caused by negligence, such as:

Unmarked wet floors in a grocery store or restaurant.
Uneven pavement or potholes in a parking lot.
Poor lighting in a stairwell or hallway.
Cluttered aisles or debris on the floor.
Loose or torn carpeting.

The key question is: Did the owner know about the hazard and fail to fix it or warn you?

Your 3-Step Action Plan (Start Right Now)

Forget the noise. Action is what protects you. Here’s exactly what to do:

1. At the Scene: Document, Don’t Debate.

Report It: Immediately tell the manager or property owner. Insist they make a written incident report. Get the report number or a copy.
Evidence is Everything: Use your phone. Take photos and videos of the exact spot where you fell. Capture the hazard (the spill, the crack, the dim lighting) from multiple angles.
Get Witnesses: If anyone saw you fall, politely ask for their name and phone number. Their statement could be crucial later.

2. In the Next 24 Hours: Prioritize Your Health.

See a Doctor: Even if you feel “okay,” get checked out. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like sprains, fractures, or concussions. A medical record creates a direct link between the fall and your injury.
Start a Log: Write down everything you remember about the fall and how you’re feeling physically each day.

3. Before You Talk to Insurance: Get Expert Advice.

The property owner’s insurance company may call quickly with a settlement offer. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any money before speaking with a lawyer. Their goal is to settle for as little as possible, quickly.

Why “Wait and See” is Your Biggest Risk

This is not the time to “see how you feel.” The clock is ticking for two major reasons:

Evidence Disappears: Surveillance video is often recorded over within weeks. Spills are cleaned up, cracks are repaired, and witnesses forget. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Legal Deadlines Loom: Every state has a strict time limit (a “statute of limitations”) for filing a personal injury claim. Miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

Your Next Step is Simple and Free

You don’t have to navigate this alone. The most powerful action you can take is to get a professional opinion.

Pick up the phone and schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.

In a short, no-obligation call, they can:

Review the facts of your case.
Explain your rights clearly.
Tell you exactly what your next steps should be.

This one call can make the difference between being left with medical bills and holding the negligent party accountable.