Slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the impact on your health, finances, and peace of mind can last much longer. It’s essential to know what to do immediately after an incident so you can protect your rights and strengthen a potential claim.
We understand how overwhelming it can be in the moment — one second you’re walking along, and the next you’re on the ground, confused, hurting, and unsure of what to do next. As long-time Sacramento residents, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our community. That’s why we want you to be prepared and protected if something like this happens to you or someone close to you.
- Identify What Caused the Fall
If you’re physically able, try to identify what caused your fall as soon as possible. Was it a wet floor with no warning sign? A broken curb? Uneven flooring? Loose cords? Ice on the sidewalk?This detail will be critical when establishing liability, and it’s much easier to note it while the scene is fresh in your mind.
- Take Photos (or Ask Someone You Trust to Do So)
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to document the scene through photographs. If necessary, ask a bystander for help with this. Be sure to capture:
- The exact location of the fall
- The hazard (spill, defect, obstruction, etc.)
- Any warning signs (or lack thereof)
- The surrounding area and lighting conditions Time is critical here—clean-ups, repairs, and even lighting conditions can change within minutes.
- Notify a Manager or Supervisor Immediately
Report your injury to the person in charge at the location—whether it’s a store manager, property owner, or supervisor. Failing to report it could work against you later.Be clear but calm. Let them know what happened, where it occurred, and that you are injured.
- Ask to Fill Out an Incident Report
Request that an incident report be completed and that your version of events be accurately documented. Take a photo of the completed report or ask for a copy before you leave.This report can serve as formal documentation of the incident and often contains helpful details about the employees on duty and what was observed.
- Ask About Surveillance Footage
Many commercial establishments have video surveillance. Ask:
- Whether the fall was captured on video
- Whether you or a companion can view and record it on your phone
- If not, who can be contacted for access Keep in mind: surveillance footage may be deleted or overwritten in as little as a few days, so it’s essential that your attorney request preservation of this evidence as soon as possible.
- Seek Medical Attention the Same Day
Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries, such as concussions, internal bruising, and soft tissue damage, don’t always show up right away. You should consult a medical professional as soon as possible to document your injuries and ensure your health is protected. Delaying treatment could allow insurers to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the fall.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away
Slip-and-fall cases can be complex. Evidence can be lost. Often, witnesses forget what they saw, and it’s not unusual for property owners to deny responsibility. Having an experienced attorney on your side early in the process can ensure that:
- Critical evidence (like video footage) is preserved
- Witnesses are contacted while memories are fresh
- The scene is investigated by professionals
- You aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement Our goal is for you to focus on healing; we’ll focus on protecting your rights!
Final Thoughts
Slip, trip, and fall injuries are often more serious than they appear and deserve to be taken seriously. If you or someone you love has been injured in a fall in Sacramento or the surrounding areas, our firm is here to help.
We offer free consultations, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney or complete our online contact form to get started.
You only get one chance to get the evidence right — don’t wait.
Disclaimer
The content provided is for general information purposes only. Please refer to the disclaimer of Carter Wolden Curtis, LLP for more details.