A simple trip to the grocery store or shopping center can turn into a painful and stressful experience if you suffer a slip and fall accident. These incidents are more common than many realize and can lead to serious injuries—especially for older adults or those with existing health conditions.
If you’ve been hurt in a store due to a wet floor, uneven surface, or other unsafe condition, you may have a legal claim for compensation. But what you do in the moments and days after the accident is crucial.
Here’s exactly what to do after a slip and fall accident in a store to protect your health, your rights, and any potential injury claim.
1. Stay Calm and Assess Injuries
Immediately after the fall:
- Don’t jump up too quickly. Take a moment to assess yourself for injuries.
- If you’re in pain, don’t try to walk or move unnecessarily.
- If you’re severely injured, ask someone to call 911 or request emergency assistance.
Even if the injury seems minor, remember that symptoms—especially for head, back, or joint injuries—can worsen over time.
2. Document the Scene
If you’re physically able (or a companion can help), take these steps before the store cleans up or removes any evidence:
- Photograph the hazard that caused your fall (wet floor, torn carpet, debris, broken tile, etc.).
- Capture the surrounding area, such as lack of warning signs or poor lighting.
- Take photos of your injuries, damaged clothing, or torn shoes.
- Note the exact location where the fall happened—store aisle, entrance, restroom, etc.
This visual evidence can be key in proving negligence later on.
3. Get Witness Information
If anyone saw your fall:
- Politely ask for their name and contact info.
- Witnesses can back up your version of events, especially if store employees deny fault or claim you were careless.
Even one witness can make a big difference in a slip and fall case.
4. Report the Incident to Store Management
Report the accident to the store manager or supervisor as soon as possible.
- Request that they create an incident report and ask for a copy.
- If they refuse to give you a copy, make a note of the manager’s name and the time you reported it.
- Don’t sign anything that admits fault or limits your rights.
Stick to the facts. Don’t downplay your injuries or accept blame.
5. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, you should see a doctor within 24–72 hours of the accident.
Common slip and fall injuries like:
- Concussions
- Sprained ankles
- Fractured wrists
- Back pain
- Internal bleeding
…might not show immediate symptoms.
Why It Matters:
- Early documentation of injuries connects them directly to the fall.
- Delayed treatment may weaken your personal injury claim.
Follow all recommended treatment and keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions.
6. Preserve All Evidence
Save everything related to your accident, including:
- The clothes and shoes you wore (don’t wash them—they could show evidence of the hazard).
- Medical records and receipts.
- A journal of how the injury affects your daily life (pain levels, missed work, limited mobility).
- Copies of your report to the store or their insurance.
7. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Slip and fall claims fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment.
An experienced attorney can help by:
- Determining whether the store was negligent
- Gathering additional evidence (surveillance footage, maintenance logs)
- Dealing with the store’s insurance company
- Helping you receive compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.
8. Understand Store Liability
To hold a store legally responsible, you must prove:
- A hazardous condition existed (wet floor, uneven mat, loose tile, etc.)
- The store knew or should have known about it
- The store failed to fix it or warn customers
Not every slip and fall is automatically the store’s fault. That’s why evidence and documentation are so important.
9. Avoid These Common Mistakes
After a slip and fall accident, don’t:
- Apologize or admit fault to staff or witnesses
- Fail to seek medical care or skip follow-up appointments
- Post about the accident on social media
- Accept a quick settlement from the store’s insurance without legal advice
All of these could hurt your ability to receive fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
A slip and fall in a store can leave you with more than just bruises—it can result in serious medical bills, time off work, and lasting pain. Knowing how to respond immediately and in the days after your fall gives you the best chance to recover physically and financially.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a store’s negligence, don’t brush it off. Document everything, seek medical attention, and consider talking to a lawyer. Taking action quickly protects both your health and your legal rights.