Slip and Fall Accidents: What to Know

Why slip and fall claims are different

A fall is not automatically someone else's legal responsibility. In general, a claim depends on whether a property owner or manager knew, or reasonably should have known, about a hazard and failed to fix it or warn visitors in a reasonable time.

Common causes

• Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
• Uneven sidewalks, broken stairs and loose handrails
• Poor lighting in stairwells and parking areas
• Icy or snowy walkways that were not treated
• Torn carpeting, cluttered aisles and spilled liquids

What to do right away

• Report the fall to the owner or manager and ask that an incident report be made. Ask for a copy.
• Photograph the exact spot, the hazard, your footwear and any warning signs (or the lack of them).
• Get contact details for any witnesses.
• See a doctor and describe every symptom, even minor ones.
• Keep the shoes and clothing you wore.

Time limits matter

Claims against government-owned property can have much shorter deadlines and special notice rules than claims against private owners. If a public property was involved, ask a lawyer about the deadline as soon as possible.