What to Do after a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant, but they often leave serious and lasting consequences. From unexpected medical bills to time missed from work, what seems like a minor mishap can quickly evolve into a major disruption in your life. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may have legal rights to pursue compensation. Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident — and how to protect your case — can make all the difference in whether your claim is successful.

At Sellers Law Firm, we work with individuals who were injured in slip and fall accidents caused by another party’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sellers Law Firm for a consultation, or call us at (817) 928-4222.

What is the legal definition of a slip and fall?

Legally speaking, a slip and fall accident falls under the broader category of premises liability law. This area of law holds property owners, managers, and occupiers responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe for visitors. When a person slips, trips, or falls due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, and that condition was the result of negligence, the property owner may be liable for damages.

For example, if a grocery store fails to clean up a spill in a timely manner and a customer slips and breaks a hip, the store may be held accountable. The key legal concept here is the duty of care: property owners have an obligation to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. When they breach this duty and someone is injured as a result, that’s where liability arises.

A slip and fall does not always guarantee a successful lawsuit. To move forward, the injured party must show that the property owner either knew, or should have reasonably known, about the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action.

6 steps to take after a slip and fall

Knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident is crucial, as your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the incident can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. Here are the most important steps to take:

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked by a doctor. Not only is this crucial for your health, but medical records provide vital evidence for your case.
Report the incident. Notify the property owner, store manager, or landlord as soon as the accident happens. Ask for a copy of the written incident report if one is created.
Document everything. Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, and your injuries. If possible, capture the scene before it is cleaned up or altered.
Gather witness information. If anyone saw your fall or the hazardous condition, ask for their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide important testimony later.
Keep records. Save all medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence related to the incident. Documentation is key in proving damages.
Contact a Dallas–Fort Worth personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can assess your case, advise you on the strength of your claim, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf.

By following these steps, you not only protect your health but also preserve the evidence needed to pursue fair compensation.

Injured by a defective product? Learn more about product liability laws.

Common causes of slip and fall cases

Slip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere, from public sidewalks to private homes. Some of the most common scenarios include:

Wet or slippery floors: Spilled drinks in restaurants, freshly mopped grocery store aisles, or rainwater tracked into a building’s entrance.
Uneven surfaces: Broken pavement, cracked sidewalks, or poorly maintained flooring.
Cluttered walkways: Boxes, cords, or debris left in aisles or hallways.
Inadequate lighting: Dim or burnt-out lights in stairwells or parking lots that prevent safe navigation.
Unsafe stairs or handrails: Missing or broken handrails, uneven steps, or loose carpeting.

While many of these hazards seem obvious, victims may not notice them until it’s too late. Some injuries may also develop more slowly, which leads to the question of delayed symptoms.

What are delayed symptoms after a fall?

Not every injury is visible immediately after a slip and fall accident. In fact, delayed symptoms are quite common and can complicate the process of proving damages if medical care is delayed. Some delayed symptoms include:

Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) marked by headaches, dizziness, nausea, or memory problems that show up hours or days later
Spinal injuries with pain, tingling, or numbness that worsens over time
Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, or torn ligaments that may not fully reveal themselves until swelling increases
Other catastrophic injuries such as internal bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain, bruising, or weakness that develops gradually

These delayed symptoms highlight why seeking medical attention right away is critical. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the fall if too much time passes before diagnosis. By having immediate medical documentation, you create a stronger link between the accident and your condition.

How can one prove negligence in a slip and fall case?

Proving negligence is often the most challenging aspect of a slip and fall case. To succeed, the injured party must demonstrate four key elements:

Duty of care: The property owner had a responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
Breach of duty: The owner failed to address a dangerous condition or warn visitors about it.
Causation: The unsafe condition directly caused the fall and resulting injuries.
Damages: The victim suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, witness testimony, maintenance records, and medical reports can all play a role in proving negligence. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case becomes.

Are slip and fall cases hard to win?

Slip and fall cases are notoriously complex. Insurance companies often argue that the victim was partially at fault; for example, by not paying attention or wearing unsafe footwear. Additionally, proving that the property owner “should have known” about a hazard can be a difficult hurdle. In Texas, if you could have avoided the hazard by taking a different route but chose not to, the law bars you from recovering.

However, this is where working with a personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. An attorney can:

Investigate the accident and collect key evidence.
Work with medical professionals to establish the extent of your injuries.
Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies who may try to minimize your claim.
Represent you in court if the case goes to trial.

While slip and fall cases can be hard to win without help, having a skilled lawyer levels the playing field. With legal guidance, your chances of securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering increase significantly.

Don’t take the fall for someone else’s negligence. Call Sellers Law Firm for justice.

A slip and fall accident can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain. But if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. From proving liability to negotiating fair settlements, the right legal strategy can make all the difference in your recovery.

At Sellers Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of accident victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall, don’t wait—reach out today for a consultation. Our team is ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a negligent property owner shift the blame onto you. Hire an attorney who knows what to do after a slip and fall accident. Contact Sellers Law Firm at (817) 928-4222 and take the first step toward full, fair recovery.

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