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Sometimes we tend to believe things only happen to others – until they happen to us. Nobody expects to slip and fall while grocery shopping, visiting a mall, or at a restaurant. But it happens more often than you think. Before or after that happens, knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident can make or break your chances to obtain compensation. The immediate steps should be to get medical help, report the incident, document the scene, gather witness info, preserve evidence, keep records, and consult a California slip and fall accident attorney.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what happens after a slip and fall accident, the average compensation you may receive, and whether these cases are difficult to win. If you have questions or have already experienced a slip and fall, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7. Hablamos Español.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident, Step by Step
Imagine the situation of slipping and falling at a public place, like a store. What do you do next?
Check Yourself and Get Medical Care Immediately
The most important action to take after a slip and fall is to check yourself and see a doctor without delay. Injuries may seem minor initially but can become more serious over time. A prompt medical evaluation ensures that any harm is properly identified and treated, reducing the risk of further health issues.
Your medical documentation is key evidence if you decide to file a legal claim. Records from a healthcare provider can clearly link your injuries to the fall, making them valuable in demonstrating the severity of your condition and supporting your demand for compensation related to treatment, pain, and emotional distress.
Real-Life Scenario: People at The Store Doesn’t Help
If a store owner or manager refuses or makes it difficult to get medical attention, you should immediately call 911 or ask a bystander for assistance.
Document their refusal to assist, including anything they said or did to avoid responsibility. Take photos of the scene and your injuries before any evidence is cleaned up. Try to gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the fall or the staff’s reaction. Seek medical care right away and inform the provider where and how the incident occurred.
Their refusal to help can strengthen your legal claim, so contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Report the Accident
You should notify the property owner, a manager, or whoever is in charge of the premises right away. Doing this helps create a formal record of the incident, which could be useful in proving who is responsible.
Ask for an official incident report, and make sure it includes all key details—such as the time, place, and what led to the accident. Keep a personal copy of this report, as it may serve as important documentation if you move forward with a legal case.
Collect Evidence
Photographs can play a major role in validating your case. Snap clear pictures of the area from several angles, especially focusing on any dangerous conditions that may have led to your fall—such as water on the floor, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or clutter. Also, photograph any injuries you sustained.
If anyone witnessed your fall, talk to them. Get their names, contact information, and—if possible—a brief statement about what they saw. Witness accounts can reinforce your version of what happened and add credibility to your claim.
Save Tangible Evidence
Your clothing and shoes can be useful in proving what happened. Don’t clean or alter them—leave them exactly as they were after the accident. Tears, scuff marks, or stains can support how the fall took place.
If something physical caused your fall—like a loose tile, debris, or a spilled substance—try to retain it if it’s safe to do so. If removal isn’t an option, make sure to capture it in your photographs as clearly as possible.
Consult a Slip and Fall Attorney
After addressing your immediate medical needs and documenting the incident, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified slip and fall attorney—especially if your injuries are serious or if the property owner denies responsibility.
Are Slip and Fall Cases Hard to Win?
Slip and fall cases can be difficult to win because the injured person must prove that the property owner was negligent. It’s not enough to show that a fall occurred—you must demonstrate that the hazard existed, that the owner knew or should have known about it, and that they failed to fix it or provide adequate warning.
Property owners and their insurers often deny responsibility, arguing that the hazard was obvious or that the victim wasn’t paying attention.
The strength of a case depends heavily on the available evidence. Photos of the scene, video surveillance, witness statements, and a prompt incident report can significantly improve your chances. Medical records that link your injuries directly to the fall are also critical. Without solid documentation, it becomes much harder to prove what happened and who was at fault.
While these cases are not easy, they are winnable—especially with the help of a skilled slip and fall attorney. An experienced lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly, including obtaining surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements
- Identify liability, such as whether the property owner failed to repair a known hazard or post proper warnings
- Document damages including current and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate with insurers to get you a fair settlement without being pressured or misled
What is The Average Payout for a Slip and Fall in California?
In California, the average settlement for slip and fall cases typically ranges from $10,000 to $60,000, though the total compensation can vary significantly based on the severity of the injuries involved.
Minor injuries such as bruises or sprains often settle for amounts between $1,500 and $15,000, while moderate injuries like fractures may result in settlements ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. In more severe cases involving traumatic brain injuries or permanent disability, payouts can exceed $100,000 and may even reach into the millions.
Several factors influence the final settlement amount in a slip and fall claim. These include the seriousness of the injury, the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, the amount of income lost due to missed work, and the level of pain and suffering experienced.
Liability also plays a major role—if the property owner’s negligence is clearly established, the case may settle for more. However, if the injured party is found partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced under California’s comparative fault laws.
If you slipped and fell at a public place, there’s only one way to know for sure how much you’re entitled to: call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807 and schedule a free consultation. Remember: if we don’t win, you don’t pay.