A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere—at a store, restaurant, workplace, or even on private property. While some falls cause only minor scrapes or bruises, others lead to serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, or long-term mobility issues. Beyond the physical pain, victims often face emotional stress and financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages.
Knowing what to do after a slip and fall is critical to protect your health and preserve your legal rights. According to the CDC, millions of Americans suffer fall-related injuries every year, making falls one of the leading causes of emergency room visits. At Simon Law, our St. Louis slip and fall lawyers have guided countless families through the recovery and claims process.
In this guide, we’ll outline seven key steps to take after a slip and fall accident—steps that can safeguard your well-being and strengthen your potential claim against a negligent property owner.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay” after a fall, don’t skip medical care. Many slip and fall injuries, like concussions, whiplash, head trauma, or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away but can worsen quickly. A medical professional can diagnose hidden injuries early and prevent long-term complications. It’s important to seek medical treatment promptly after a fall to ensure all injuries are properly identified and documented. Assessing the full extent of your injuries is crucial, especially for legal and insurance purposes, to make sure all damages are accounted for.
Visiting a doctor or emergency room also creates an official medical record of your injuries and all medical treatment received. This documentation links your injuries directly to the accident, which is critical evidence in a personal injury claim. It’s essential to see a doctor immediately after a fall to establish the timing and cause of your injuries. Without medical records, insurers may argue your injuries were unrelated or not severe enough to warrant compensation.
If your injuries make it impossible to leave the scene, call 911 immediately. If they’re less urgent, visit your primary care physician or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible after the fall.
2. Report the Incident
Reporting your slip and fall is about more than just notifying someone; it’s about creating a clear, documented timeline of what happened. As soon as possible, alert the property owner, landlord, or store manager. If the incident occurred on someone else’s property, it is especially important to report it promptly to ensure proper documentation and to protect your legal rights. If you’re at work, notify your supervisor and HR department.
Ask if an official report can be filed
An official report is a formal document that records the details of the incident and is crucial for insurance claims and legal records. If one is created, request a copy for your own records. Official reports, such as incident forms, medical records, and surveillance footage, are valuable evidence that can support insurance claims and legal actions. If a written report isn’t provided, document the details yourself:
- Who you spoke with and their position
- The date and time of the report
- The exact location of the fall
- A description of the hazard that caused your accident
Creating an accident report is essential for both legal and insurance purposes, as it helps establish the facts of the incident.
This step prevents the property owner’s representatives from later denying that the accident occurred and strengthens your case if you decide to file a claim.
3. Document the Scene
Conditions at the accident site can change quickly, making it crucial to document the accident scene as soon as possible. A spill may be mopped, warning signs added, or icy sidewalks salted within minutes. That’s why preserving evidence immediately is so important.
If you’re able, take multiple photos or videos from different angles. Be sure to gather evidence such as:
- The exact hazard that caused your fall (wet floors, uneven pavement, loose rug, etc.)
- Lighting or visibility issues in the area
- Weather conditions, if outside
- The absence of warning signs or barriers
- Your injuries, such as visible bruises or cuts
If you can’t take photos yourself, ask a trusted friend, family member, or even a witness to help. Speaking of witnesses, gather their names and contact information right away. Their testimony can be invaluable in establishing what happened.
It’s also important to gather additional evidence, such as surveillance footage or maintenance logs, to further strengthen your case.
4. Avoid Making Statements or Admitting Fault
After a fall, it’s natural to feel embarrassed and want to brush it off. You might be tempted to say things like, “I wasn’t watching where I was going” or “I’m fine.” Avoid making statements, because anything you say, no matter what you say, will be twisted against you.
Keep your conversations short and factual. Provide the necessary information for the incident report, but avoid speculating about the cause of your fall or discussing your injuries in detail. Do not apologize, as it could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. It is important to avoid discussing the incident with anyone other than your attorney, as insurance companies may use your statements against you.
Also, avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurance companies and defense lawyers often review posts to look for evidence they can use to minimize claims.
5. Preserve Evidence
Slip and fall claims are often complex and require strong evidence to prove negligence. Substantial evidence is what makes or breaks a slip and fall case. Preserving evidence is crucial for your slip and fall claim or fall claim, as it can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Beyond photos and medical records, preserve any physical evidence that could support your claim. For example:
- Save the shoes and clothing you wore during the fall—don’t wash them, as they may show residue or damage.
- Keep receipts or documentation of medical bills, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Maintain a journal detailing your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your daily life.
Missouri law gives you five years to file a personal injury claim under the statute of limitations. While that may sound like a long time, waiting can weaken your case. Witnesses may move or forget details, and property owners may discard evidence. An experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help gather accident reports, medical records, surveillance footage, and witness statements before they are lost. Gathering additional evidence, such as photographs, maintenance logs, and incident reports, can further strengthen your legal claim.
Reaching a fair settlement in slip and fall claims is essential to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.
6. Consult a Slip and Fall Attorney
Premises liability cases are rarely straightforward. Property owners may argue you were careless, deny that a hazard existed, or claim they weren’t responsible. A slip and fall lawyer in St. Louis can cut through these defenses and protect your rights. It is important to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case, as they have the expertise to build a strong claim and improve your chances of success.
A law firm can provide a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
An attorney will:
- Investigate the accident and determine liability
- Obtain surveillance footage or maintenance logs
- Consult with medical experts about the extent of your injuries
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including long-term costs like rehabilitation or lost earning capacity
- Represent you in negotiations or court, if necessary
- Help you seek compensation and work to achieve fair compensation for your injuries and losses
At Simon Law, we’ve recovered millions on behalf of Missouri injury victims. Our team knows how to handle the tactics of big insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. A law firm can help maximize your financial recovery after a slip and fall.
7. Let Your Attorney Handle Insurance Communication
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is often to minimize payouts. They may downplay your injuries, shift blame onto you, or pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs.
It is important to let your attorney communicate directly with the property owner’s insurance company to avoid jeopardizing your claim or accepting an unfair settlement.
By letting your attorney handle all communications and negotiations, you protect yourself from these tactics. A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf and ensure that your claim is taken seriously.
Common Questions About Slip & Fall Accidents
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the fall incident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if there were no witnesses?
You can still pursue a claim without witnesses. Photos, video footage, medical records, and property reports can serve as strong evidence to support your case. In addition, documentation of physical therapy for injuries such as shoulder dislocation or other conditions sustained in the accident can further demonstrate the extent of your recovery needs, even if there are no witnesses.
Should I accept a settlement from the insurance company?
Accident victims should not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Early settlement offers are often much lower than the true value of your claim. A lawyer can negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.
Call Simon Law for a Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to take action. Simon Law has a proven track record of representing injury victims across Missouri and holding negligent property owners accountable.
We offer free consultations and will take the time to understand your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Contact our St. Louis slip and fall lawyers today to protect your rights and begin your path toward recovery.
