If you’re trying to figure out what to do after a slip and fall accident, you’re not alone. These incidents happen quickly, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath.
This guide walks you step-by-step through what to do after a slip and fall accident in Los Angeles. With the right information, you can protect your health, strengthen your case, and better understand your legal options.
At Compass Law Group, LLP, we fight for injured Californians every day, providing compassionate support so you never have to navigate this process alone.
Why Immediate Action Matters
Slip and fall injuries are often more serious than they seem. A CDC review found that nearly 1 million Americans visit emergency rooms every year because of slip and fall accidents.
Many people try to shake it off or feel embarrassed, but delayed injuries are extremely common. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a slip and fall accident.
California also enforces a strict two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Waiting too long can weaken your case or prevent you from filing at all. Immediate steps help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Health Risks and Hidden Injuries
After a fall, it’s easy to overlook symptoms. Your adrenaline spikes, and shock can mask pain. But hidden injuries are common and may worsen over time, including:
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Soft-tissue tears or sprains
- Nerve damage
- Spinal or disc injuries
- Hairline fractures
Even a fall that doesn’t seem serious can lead to complications hours or days later. Medical professionals consistently stress that a slip and fall should never be ignored. Early evaluation creates a record of your injuries, which becomes essential in a legal claim.
How Prompt Action Affects Legal Claims
Property owners, businesses, and insurance companies rely on lack of evidence to deny responsibility. Acting quickly helps preserve:
- Photos of the hazard before it’s cleaned or fixed
- Witness recollections
- Surveillance footage that may be overwritten
- Accurate incident reports
California courts require proof of negligence, and immediate documentation strengthens every part of your case. The sooner you take action, the easier it becomes to show what caused your fall, who was responsible, and how the accident impacted you.
Step 1 – Prioritize Your Health and Safety
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first step is always safety. If you’re seriously injured, call 911. Otherwise, head to the nearest ER or urgent care as soon as possible. Medical records create clear proof of your injuries, timelines, and recommended treatment, which ultimately becomes legal proof.
Doctors can also detect internal or delayed-onset injuries you may not feel yet. If pain worsens later, you already have documentation.
Get Evaluated Even if You Feel Fine
As mentioned before, many fall-related injuries don’t appear right away, especially concussions and soft-tissue injuries. A healthcare professional can identify symptoms you may overlook and protect you from long-term complications. Getting checked early also prevents insurance companies from arguing that your injuries came from “some other cause.”
Step 2 – Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Take Photographs and Videos of the Scene
Once you’re safe and have assessed your immediate injuries, the next priority is collecting evidence. Use your phone to capture everything you can from multiple angles. A simple photo can make the difference between a denied claim and a successful settlement.
Helpful images include:
- The hazard that caused your fall (wet floor, debris, uneven pavement, broken railing)
- The surrounding area, lighting, and signage
- Your shoes (tread pattern, condition)
- Your clothing
- Visible injuries (bruising, swelling, cuts)
- The exact spot where the fall occurred
If you cannot take photos yourself, ask a trusted friend, family member, or witness to help. Time is important here, as conditions can change quickly after an accident.
Collect Witness Information
Witnesses play a key role in confirming what happened. If anyone saw your fall or the dangerous condition, politely ask for:
- Full name
- Phone number or email
- A brief description of what they observed
If they’re willing, ask them to write a short statement or send it to you later. Businesses and insurance companies often dispute how the fall occurred, and witness accounts provide neutral confirmation.
Preserve Your Shoes, Clothing, and Request Any Available Footage
Do not wash or throw away anything you were wearing. Shoes are especially important because they can show skid marks, wet surfaces, or debris that supports your claim.
If your fall happened in a store, apartment complex, parking lot, or hotel, ask a manager whether they have security camera footage covering the area. Surveillance recordings are often deleted within days or even hours. Request that the footage be preserved and note whom you spoke with.
Step 3 – Report the Incident and Get a Record
Notify the Property Owner or Manager
Ask for an incident report and request a copy. If the business refuses, document the name of the employee or manager you spoke with and what they said. Written communication, such as an email recap, can also help strengthen your record.
If Your Fall Occurred on Public Property in Los Angeles
Government agencies follow different rules under the California Government Claims Act, which requires filing a claim within a much shorter window (typically 6 months).
If you slipped on a city sidewalk, inside a public building, or at a government-run facility:
- Identify which agency controls the property
- File a notice of claim as soon as possible
- Document all communications
Time limits for government claims are strict, and missing the deadline can bar recovery entirely.
Why a Report Matters for Your Legal Claim
Reporting your accident creates an official, time-stamped record that supports your case. Without a report, the property owner may deny that the incident ever happened.
An incident report helps establish:
- The exact location and time of your fall
- The hazard involved
- That the property owner was notified
- That the accident occurred on their premises
It becomes essential evidence in any California premises liability case and can prevent the property owner’s insurance company from disputing key facts.
Step 4 – Protect Your Legal Rights
Avoid Making Self-Incriminating Statements or Apologies
After a fall, many people instinctively say things like:
- “I’m fine.”
- “It was my fault.”
- “I wasn’t paying attention.”
These comments can severely weaken your claim. Stick to basic facts when speaking with employees, managers, or witnesses. You are not required to explain the cause of the fall or speculate about your injuries.
The property owner’s insurance company may contact you quickly, sometimes within hours. You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Be Cautious With Social Media and Insurance Company Statements
It’s tempting to update friends about what happened, but even innocent posts can harm your case. Insurance adjusters routinely search social media for photos, check-ins, or comments that contradict your reported injuries.
Avoid posting:
- Photos of yourself
- Activity updates
- Statements about the accident
Also, avoid messaging the business or property owner directly. Let an attorney handle these communications.
Understand California Statutes of Limitations
Most slip and fall injury lawsuits in California must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. If the claim involves a government agency, the deadline is typically six months.
Delays make it harder to secure evidence, witnesses, and medical records. Acting early gives you more time and a stronger legal position.
How Negligence Is Proved in a Slip and Fall Case
To win a California slip and fall claim, your attorney must establish four key elements:
- Duty: The property owner had a legal responsibility to keep the area reasonably safe.
- Breach: That duty was violated—for example, by failing to clean a spill or repair broken flooring.
- Causation: Their negligence directly caused your fall.
- Damages: You suffered injuries, medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
A simple example: If a Los Angeles grocery store failed to put out a “Wet Floor” sign after mopping, and you slipped and fell on the unmarked surface, that may demonstrate negligence.
Step 5 – Consider Legal Consultation
When To Call an Attorney
If your injuries required medical care, caused missed work, or created financial stress, speaking with a lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. Many injuries worsen over time, and early legal advice ensures you don’t miss critical evidence or deadlines.
What To Look for in a Los Angeles–Based Attorney
Choose a law firm experienced in California premises liability cases and familiar with local codes, inspection requirements, and insurer tactics. A strong firm will understand how Los Angeles businesses, apartments, hotels, and public entities handle these claims.
If you need representation after a slip and fall, call Compass Law Group, LLC, for a free case evaluation.
How Legal Help Strengthens Your Case
A skilled slip and fall attorney can:
- Preserve surveillance footage before it’s lost
- Communicate with property owners and insurers
- Guide you on medical documentation
- Calculate damages based on California law
- Strengthen your case with evidence and expert support
To understand how compensation is typically evaluated, you can review how your case is valued—a resource that explains how factors like medical bills, lost wages, and long-term effects influence your settlement.
Final Checklist: What You Should Do Within the First 24–72 Hours
To help you stay organized during a stressful moment, here is a simple, screenshot-ready checklist summarizing the most important steps to take after a slip and fall accident in California:
Within the First 24 Hours
- Seek medical attention immediately—ER, urgent care, or your doctor.
- Photograph the scene, hazard, shoes, clothing, and your injuries.
- Collect witness names, phone numbers, and brief statements when possible.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written report.
- Preserve your clothing and shoes in a bag as evidence.
- Write down what you remember: the hazard, who you spoke with, and how you felt after the fall.
Within 48–72 Hours
- Request that any surveillance footage be preserved before it’s deleted.
- Continue medical follow-ups and note any changes in symptoms.
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters.
- Refrain from posting about the accident on social media.
- Document expenses, missed work, and pain levels.
- Contact a qualified California personal injury attorney to protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.
This short list covers the actions that make the biggest difference in protecting your health, preserving evidence, and strengthening your claim.
Why Injured Californians Trust Compass Law Group
At Compass Law Group, we believe in standing beside our clients—not above them. A slip and fall accident can turn your life upside down, and you deserve a legal team that leads with compassion, clarity, and unwavering determination.
As a nationally recognized personal injury firm, we’ve helped Californians recover over $100 million for accidents involving unsafe property conditions and preventable hazards. When you’re hurt, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, our team provides the guidance you need to move forward confidently.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident anywhere in California, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The team at Compass Law Group is here to protect your rights, preserve critical evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Speak with a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward healing and justice.
