8 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall accident can happen suddenly, but the aftermath can be long-lasting. Whether you fell in a grocery store, on a sidewalk, or inside an office building, knowing what steps to take immediately after your accident can be critical to your health and to the success of your personal injury claim.
At Gama Law Firm, we’ve helped countless individuals across Colorado work through the legal challenges that come with personal injury cases. This guide outlines the essential steps to take after a slip and fall accident.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should always be your first priority after a fall. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional.
Slip and fall injuries aren’t always visible right away. Internal injuries, concussions, soft tissue damage, or hairline fractures may only present symptoms hours—or even days—after the accident.
In addition to assuring your safety, getting medical attention immediately also:
Creates a record of your injuries, which may be vital later in your claim.
Prevents the opposing side from arguing that your injuries weren’t related to the fall.
Provides a timeline that shows you took the situation seriously from the beginning.
Having this documentation in place early can make a big difference in your case.
Step 2: Report the Incident to the Right Person
Once you’ve addressed any immediate medical needs, the next step is to make sure the incident is officially reported.
You should notify the property owner, store manager, landlord, or supervisor—depending on where the fall occurred. In most public or commercial settings, the person in charge will fill out an accident or incident report.
If you're able, make sure this report includes: the date, time, and location of the fall, a brief description of the incident, and the names of any witnesses or employees who were present.
Request a copy of the report for your own records. If they are unwilling to provide one, take note of who completed it and when. Creating this kind of paper trail can be critical later on.
Step 3: Document the Scene Thoroughly
What caused your fall? Was the floor wet and unmarked? Was there a loose rug or uneven pavement? Documenting these conditions is essential to proving fault.
If you are physically able to do so safely, gather evidence while still at the scene. Photos and videos can be incredibly persuasive in personal injury cases.
Some of the things you’ll want to photograph or document include:
The area where the fall occurred, including any hazards (wet spots, poor lighting, icy sidewalks).
The surrounding environment—lighting, signage, weather conditions.
Your clothing and shoes at the time of the fall.
Take multiple photos from different angles and distances. The more visual evidence you have, the easier it may be to show negligence on the part of the property owner.
Step 4: Gather Contact Information from Witnesses
Eyewitnesses can offer valuable support to your version of events. If anyone saw you fall or noticed the hazardous condition before your accident, ask for their contact information.
A few points to keep in mind when speaking with witnesses:
Ask for their full name and best way to contact them.
Note what they saw or heard, even if you can’t get a full written statement right away.
Avoid pressuring them—just explain that their account might help support your claim.
Your attorney may reach out to them later for a formal statement. Their testimony could be the key to proving the dangerous condition existed and wasn’t just created moments before your fall.
Step 5: Preserve All Physical Evidence
Anything you had on at the time of the accident could help demonstrate what happened. This includes your shoes, clothes, and personal items that were damaged in the fall.
After the accident, do the following:
Set aside your shoes and clothing without washing or repairing them.
Take photos of any torn clothing or scuffed footwear.
Keep any items that were broken during the fall, like a phone, glasses, or a handbag.
Even if these items don’t seem important now, they may become crucial pieces of evidence later. Preserving them helps your legal help paint a more complete picture of the event.
Step 6: Be Cautious When Dealing with Insurance Companies
It’s common to receive a call from an insurance adjuster soon after a slip and fall accident. They may seem friendly or concerned, but their goal is to minimize the payout—sometimes by denying the claim altogether.
Before speaking with an adjuster:
Politely decline to give a recorded statement without legal counsel.
Don’t speculate or admit fault in any way.
Refer them to your attorney if you already have one.
Saying the wrong thing—even something as simple as “I wasn’t paying attention”—can be used to reduce your compensation. That’s why it’s wise to have legal representation early in the process.
Step 7: Understand How Colorado’s Comparative Negligence Laws Work
Colorado follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This means that if you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
If you are found 0% at fault, you may recover 100% of your damages.
If you are found 25% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 25%.
If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from receiving any compensation.
Understanding this rule is important for setting expectations. A qualified attorney can help demonstrate that the majority of the blame lies with the property owner or manager.
Step 8: Don’t Delay—File Your Claim Within the Deadline
In Colorado, you typically have two years from the date of the slip and fall accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal time limit is known as the statute of limitations.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, including:
Claims against government entities, which have shorter deadlines.
Situations where injuries weren’t immediately discovered.
Failing to file within the allowed time could prevent you from recovering any compensation—regardless of how strong your case is. That’s why acting promptly is crucial.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Handling a slip and fall case on your own can be overwhelming, especially while you’re recovering from an injury. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to approach the legal system and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
Working with a lawyer offers several advantages:
They can investigate the accident and gather strong evidence.
They know how to calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost wages.
They can negotiate a fair settlement—or take your case to court if needed.
At Gama Law Firm, we’re committed to helping clients get the justice they deserve. We understand what’s at stake and are ready to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Protect Yourself and Your Rights
A slip and fall accident can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. But taking the right steps immediately after the incident can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
To recap, here’s what you should do:
Get medical attention right away, even for minor injuries.
Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
Document the scene and gather evidence.
Talk to witnesses and preserve their contact info.
Keep your clothing, shoes, and any broken items.
Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters.
Know how comparative fault can impact your claim.
File within Colorado’s legal deadlines.
Most importantly, don’t try to handle everything alone. Let an experienced personal injury attorney guide you through the process and protect your best interests.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in Colorado, you don’t have to go through the process alone. At Gama Law Firm, we serve clients in Denver, Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Castle Pines. We're here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Give us a call today for a free consultation.