What to Do After a Slip and Fall
The steps you take in the minutes and hours after a fall can decide the claim, because the evidence disappears fast. Here is a simple checklist.
Report the fall and get an incident report
Tell the store, manager, or property owner right away and ask for a written incident report. Get the names of the staff you spoke with.
Photograph what caused the fall
Take photos and video of the exact hazard — the spill, broken step, ice, or obstruction — before it is cleaned up or fixed, plus the wider area and any missing warning signs.
Get witnesses and note cameras
Get names and numbers of anyone who saw the fall, and look for surveillance cameras, noting where they are so the footage can be preserved.
Get medical care — even if you feel okay
See a doctor promptly, since some injuries appear later and a gap in treatment is used against you. Keep every record and bill.
Be careful with the insurer
Be cautious about giving a recorded statement to the property's insurer, and do not accept a quick settlement, before you have advice.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to slip and fall.
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This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.