A slip and fall accident can happen when you least expect it—on a wet grocery store floor, a broken stair in an office building, or an icy sidewalk outside a business. While it may seem like a minor mishap at first, these accidents can cause serious injuries like fractures, concussions, or long-term back pain. What you do in the minutes and hours after a fall can significantly affect your health and your ability to pursue compensation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after a slip and fall accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, you may have injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, such as internal bleeding or a concussion. Prompt medical treatment ensures your injuries are diagnosed and documented—critical steps if you later decide to file a personal injury claim.

Tell your doctor exactly how the fall happened and describe every symptom, no matter how minor. These records become essential evidence in your case.

Report The Incident

Notify the property owner, store manager, or supervisor immediately. If the fall occurred at a business, ask them to create a written incident report and request a copy for your records.

A slip and fall lawyer advises to be concise and stick to the facts. Avoid guessing or admitting fault—even casual statements like “I’m so clumsy” could be used against you later.

Document The Scene

If you’re physically able, take photos or videos of the accident scene as soon as possible. Capture:

The condition that caused the fall (wet floor, uneven surface, ice, etc.)
Lack of warning signs (no “Wet Floor” cone or caution tape)
Your injuries
The surrounding area, including lighting, handrails, and surveillance cameras

If you’re too hurt to do this yourself, ask a friend or witness for help. Conditions like snow, water, or spills can quickly disappear, so acting fast is key.

Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw your fall, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses can provide objective accounts that support your version of events and counter any attempts to shift blame onto you.

Preserve Evidence

Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time—don’t wash them. They may contain traces of the hazardous condition or demonstrate that your footwear was appropriate, which can be important in disputing blame.

Also, keep copies of medical bills, prescriptions, time missed from work, and any correspondence with the property owner or insurance companies.

Avoid Social Media Posts

While you may be tempted to share what happened, anything you post could be used to undermine your claim. As our friends at Azari Law, LLC can attest, insurance adjusters often scour social media to find evidence that contradicts your injury reports.

Contact A Slip And Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall cases can be legally complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

A slip and fall accident can disrupt your life, but acting quickly and strategically can protect your health and legal rights. By documenting the incident, getting medical care, and consulting a qualified slip and fall lawyer, you’re giving yourself the best chance at a full financial recovery.

What To Do Immediately After A Slip And Fall Accident