What Are the Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident?
We at the Law Offices of DuPont and Blumenstiel in Dublin, Ohio have seen how a slip and fall accident can catch anyone off guard. One moment, you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re on the ground in pain, unsure of how severe your injuries might be.
Slip and fall incidents may seem minor at first glance, but some can lead to considerable medical bills, lost work, and ongoing discomfort.
One question we frequently hear is: “What steps should I take after a slip and fall accident in order to protect my health and my potential legal claims?”
Below, we’ve outlined a series of recommendations that can help you address both immediate needs and future personal injury concerns.
Here are 7 steps to take after a slip and fall accident:
Check for injuries and seek medical attention
Report the incident
Gather evidence at the scene
Keep track of all medical and expense records
Limit unnecessary conversations about your case
Consult with a slip and fall attorney
Understand your potential compensation
Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Accidents
Slip and fall accidents typically arise when property owners or managers fail to maintain safe conditions. This might involve a wet floor without warning signs, uneven sidewalks, loose rugs, poorly lit corridors, or hidden hazards like ice patches.
While some of these occurrences are genuine accidents, many could have been prevented by taking reasonable safety steps. Ohio laws generally require property owners to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, which is why slip and fall incidents sometimes result in personal injury cases.
Still, to succeed in a personal injury claim, you need evidence that the property owner neglected their duty and that this negligence directly caused your injuries. Taking the right steps immediately after a slip and fall can preserve this evidence and strengthen your potential case.
Even if you ultimately decide not to move forward legally, having good documentation helps make sure you receive necessary medical care and, if needed, rightful compensation for losses like medical costs and missed wages.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, your health is critical. If you’ve had a bad slip, you may experience pain, dizziness, or potential fractures that aren’t immediately obvious.
We’ve encountered many personal injury clients who initially felt okay only to realize later that they’d sustained a serious injury, such as a concussion or a lingering back problem. That’s why we advise seeing a healthcare professional promptly.
Call for help if necessary: If you’re in severe pain or can’t move, call 911.
Visit a doctor or urgent care: Even if you think your injuries are minor, a physician can spot subtle issues. Documenting these initial medical findings lays a solid foundation if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim later.
Follow recommended treatments: Failing to follow through on medical advice can make your injuries worse and may weaken your legal case.
Step 2: Report the Incident
Once you’ve made sure of your immediate safety, consider reporting the slip and fall accident to the property owner, manager, or landlord.
Request an incident report if they have a standard procedure for accidents on the premises. Make sure your account is accurate and direct, but avoid speculating about blame or your medical prognosis at that time.
Documenting that an accident took place helps prevent the other party from later denying or downplaying the event. Plus, a formal report can prompt the owner or manager to correct the hazard so no one else gets hurt. Maintaining a copy of the incident report can become useful if you decide to talk with a personal injury lawyer about your rights.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Ideally, gather as much detail as possible about the conditions where you fell. Slip and fall claims often hinge on showing that a hazard existed, the property owner knew or should have known about it, and that no adequate warning or fix was in place.
Because conditions can change quickly—spills get cleaned, ice melts, signage gets put up—capturing the situation in its original state can be critical:
Photograph the hazard: Use your phone to snap pictures of wet floors, uneven pavement, missing handrails, etc. Multiple angles can help convey the location and severity of the risk.
Check for surveillance cameras: If a nearby camera might have recorded the incident, note that. Sometimes, obtaining footage requires a timely request before the footage is erased.
Collect witness names and contact info: If bystanders saw you fall, get their details. Their perspectives might reinforce your narrative about how the accident unfolded.
Note weather conditions or time of day: If it was raining or snowing, or if lighting was inadequate due to a nighttime setting, those details can be valuable.
By keeping these records, you enhance your ability to demonstrate what went wrong and how it connects to the property owner’s or manager’s inattention. Good documentation underscores the seriousness of your personal injury claim if you proceed in that direction.
Step 4: Keep Track of All Medical and Expense Records
After a slip and fall, expenses can add up quickly—emergency room visits, X-rays, physical therapy, assistive devices for mobility, etc. We see many personal injury clients grappling with unanticipated costs. That’s why thorough record-keeping becomes essential:
Medical bills and insurance statements: Keep receipts, itemized bills, and statements from insurers that detail coverage and out-of-pocket charges.
Appointment details: Keep a calendar of every doctor visit or therapy session, noting dates and any copays or deductibles.
Prescription costs: If you pay for medication, keep the pharmacy receipts.
Lost wage records: If you’re off work recovering, log any missed days or hours. Request written confirmation from your employer about your wage or salary rate.
When you have a strong paper trail, you can more accurately demonstrate the financial consequences of your injuries. This helps make sure you receive a fair settlement or judgment if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Step 5: Limit Unnecessary Conversations About Your Case
In an era of social media, it’s simple to hop online and share updates or vent frustrations. But slip and fall cases can be sensitive. Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers might search your social media accounts to see if you’re “actually injured” or to find contradictory statements.
We’ve observed how casual posts—like pictures of a weekend outing—can be misconstrued to undermine an individual’s personal injury claims. A seemingly harmless post can make it look like you’re healthier than you claim.
It’s often better to stay measured and factual until you consult with a legal professional about how best to handle communications.
Step 6: Consult with a Slip and Fall Attorney
Not every slip and fall incident leads to a lawsuit. However, when an accident results in significant injuries, lasting medical needs, or disputed liability, speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your options.
Lawyers experienced in these cases understand how Ohio laws apply to property owners’ responsibilities, known as premises liability.
Attorneys typically handle negotiations with property owners or insurers. Their experience with personal injury claims can lead to more informed decisions about settlement offers versus taking a case to trial.
By consulting a lawyer sooner rather than later, you improve your odds of preserving crucial evidence and adhering to the statutes of limitations. Even if you haven’t decided to file a lawsuit, getting professional guidance can reduce stress and set realistic expectations.
Step 7: Understand Your Potential Compensation
When pursuing a slip and fall claim, many wonder about the financial recovery. While each situation is unique, compensation might include:
Medical expenses: Current treatments and estimated future costs if ongoing therapy or procedures are required.
Lost wages: Payment for missed work due to recovery. If the injury affects future employment or earning capacity, that might also be factored in.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life. Though intangible, these damages can be substantial if injuries severely alter one’s daily routine.
Other out-of-pocket costs: This can include modifications to your home if mobility is limited or other things you had to pay for due to your inquiry.
Often, property owners and their insurers attempt to settle for lower amounts. They might question liability or argue that the injured person contributed to the fall. By working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can present a robust case that highlights the true impact of the slip and fall and seeks compensation reflecting your full range of losses.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Every slip and fall case has pitfalls. We’ve seen well-intentioned people harm their claims by:
Delaying medical attention: Waiting too long can let the defense argue your injuries aren’t as bad as you say they are, or aren't related to the fall.
Failing to keep documentation: Without thorough records, proving the accident’s cause or the extent of damages becomes challenging.
Missing legal deadlines: Ohio’s statute of limitations means you typically must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident.
Avoiding these missteps can strengthen your position. And even if you’ve already made some of these errors, an attorney can advise on how to mitigate their effects.
Emphasizing Self-Care
Beyond legal and financial matters, slip and fall victims often face emotional and physical strain. Recovering from injuries may require rest, time off work, or physical therapy. Additionally, mental health professionals can help if feelings of anxiety or depression arise during the recovery process. We encourage you to seek out any support you need. While personal injury settlements can’t erase the pain, they can at least offer resources to manage the fallout.
Contact Us Today
Our attorneys at the Law Offices of DuPont and Blumenstiel help those dealing with personal injury cases after slip and fall accidents. We serve clients throughout Ohio.
Give us a call at 614-389-9711 for a case evaluation.