First steps after a fall
Get medical care first. Some injuries from a fall, such as head injuries, fractures and back injuries, can be more serious than they first seem.
- If you can, take photos of what caused the fall, such as a wet floor, broken step, poor lighting or ice, before it is cleaned up or fixed.
- Tell the store manager, landlord or property owner what happened, and ask whether an incident report was made.
- Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
- Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing, unwashed and unrepaired.
What to keep track of
- Photos of the hazard and the area
- Incident report or the name of who you told
- Medical visits, bills and receipts
- Witness names and phone numbers
- Time off work and lost pay
- A simple diary of pain and recovery
Property owners and state rules
Whether a property owner may be responsible for a fall depends on the facts and on state law. It can matter what kind of property it was, why you were there, whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard, and whether you were partly at fault. Rules differ from state to state.
Deadlines and notice rules
Every state sets a deadline for bringing an injury claim. If the fall happened on government property, such as a public sidewalk or a government building, there may be a much shorter deadline to give formal notice. If you're unsure, it is sensible not to wait.
When people talk to a lawyer
People often speak with a personal injury lawyer after a fall when injuries are serious, when the property owner or its insurer disputes what happened, or when government property is involved. Only a licensed attorney can advise you about your situation.
Want a firm to look at your situation?
Request a free case review. It takes a few minutes and there's no obligation.
How our service works
Compensation & Care is not a law firm. If you send a request, we pass it to a participating law firm that handles slip and fall matters in your state. Participating firms pay to advertise with us. We don't evaluate your claim or recommend a particular lawyer, and a firm may or may not contact you.
Slip and fall FAQ
Is the case review really free?
Yes. Sending a request through Compensation & Care is free. If a participating firm offers to represent you, it must explain its fees before you agree to anything.
Does every fall lead to a claim?
No. Many falls do not involve anyone else being legally responsible. Whether you may have a claim depends on the facts and your state's laws, which a licensed attorney can explain.
What if I fell at work?
A fall at work is usually handled through workers' compensation. See our workplace injury guide.
What if it happened on a public sidewalk?
Claims involving government property often have special notice rules and short deadlines. It is sensible not to wait.
Will a lawyer definitely contact me?
Not always. A participating firm decides whether it can help. If a firm contacts you, you decide whether to continue.