Slip and Fall on Someone Else’s Property: What to Do Before Evidence Disappears

Video Transcript

If you’re wondering what to do after a slip and fall or other injury on someone else’s property, the key is to treat it like an evidence emergency first. Report the incident immediately and ask for an incident report. Then, if you’re able, take photos or video of the exact hazard: water, broken stairs, uneven flooring, poor lighting, whatever caused the fall. Get names and contact information for any witnesses. Next, get medical care. Many fall injuries, especially back, neck, shoulder, and head injuries, don’t show their full severity right away.

One practical tip: keep the shoes and the clothing you were wearing, and don’t wash them immediately because they can sometimes become evidence. Premises liability cases often turn on proof of what the hazard was and how long it existed, so moving quickly can make a real difference. And having the right injury lawyer by your side is a huge part of that.