A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere—on a wet grocery store floor, icy sidewalk, uneven staircase, or poorly lit hallway. These incidents might seem minor at first, but they can lead to serious injuries and long-term complications. In many cases, the property owner or manager may be responsible, especially if they failed to maintain a safe environment.

What you do—and don’t do—in the moments after a fall can have a lasting impact on your health, your recovery, and any potential legal case. If you're hurt, it’s not always easy to think clearly. That’s why it’s helpful to know in advance how to respond if you or someone you care about experiences a fall.

This guide covers what to do, what to say (and not say), and how to protect your rights after a slip and fall accident.

Step 1: Check Yourself for Injuries and Seek Medical Help

Before anything else, assess how you’re feeling. If you’ve hit your head, feel dizzy, or experience sharp pain, try not to move and call for help right away. Even if you feel okay in the moment, some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or sprains—don’t show symptoms immediately.

It is of the utmost importance that anyone who has suffered a slip and fall injury see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional can document your injuries, which becomes important if you decide to file a claim later on.

Step 2: Report the Incident

If the fall occurred in a business, apartment complex, or public area, report it to the manager, supervisor, or property owner as soon as possible. Ask them to create an official incident report, and request a copy for your records.

Be honest about what happened, but stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about fault or say things like “I wasn’t watching where I was going.” Even casual comments can be used to shift blame away from the responsible party.

Step 3: Avoid Admitting Fault

It’s natural to feel embarrassed after a fall, and many people instinctively apologize or downplay what happened. Try to avoid saying things like “I’m fine,” “It was my fault,” or “I should have been more careful.”

These kinds of statements can be taken out of context and used to argue that you were responsible for your own injuries. Instead, calmly state the facts and let the investigation determine what happened.

Step 4: Collect Evidence at the Scene

If you’re physically able, gathering evidence at the scene can make a big difference in a future legal claim. Here’s what to focus on:

• Take photos of the area, especially any hazards (wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting)
• Get names and contact information for any witnesses
• Note the time and date of the accident
• Document what you were wearing, especially your shoes, in case the property owner tries to blame the fall on your footwear

The more information you can collect right away, the stronger your case will be if legal action becomes necessary.

Step 5: Save Any Physical Evidence

Hold on to any clothing or personal items damaged during the fall. If your clothing has blood stains or shows damage from the accident, don’t wash or throw it away. These items can help tell the story of what happened and show the severity of your injuries.

Step 6: Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media

It’s tempting to share an experience like a fall on social media, but doing so can backfire. Anything you post online could be used by insurance companies or opposing attorneys to challenge your claim. Even a simple “I’m doing okay” can be misinterpreted to suggest that your injuries aren’t serious.

Until your case is resolved, it’s best to keep details off social platforms and only discuss the incident with your attorney.

Step 7: Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer

Slip and fall cases are categorized under premises liability law, which would hold a property owner liable if a hazard or danger caused someone harm. To prove your case, you’ll need to show that the property owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard and failed to fix it or provide a proper warning.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help investigate your case, collect evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll also make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, the steps you take afterward can affect your recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

From gathering evidence to dealing with insurance companies, our team will advocate for your rights and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Don’t wait to get answers. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the next steps to your recovery.