What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

A slip-and-fall accident can happen when you least expect it, whether at a supermarket, workplace, or even on a poorly maintained sidewalk. The aftermath often involves more than just physical injuries—it raises questions about your rights, potential legal claims, and how to cover unexpected medical bills.  

This is where a skilled personal injury attorney can make a difference. Based in California, Antaramian Law, APC serves clients in counties throughout California including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura , and Kern .  

What sets Attorney Andrew Antaramian apart is his deep understanding of personal injury law. His practice is shaped by his experience as a former defense attorney for insurance companies.  

Understanding how insurance companies think and operate gives him several advantages as a personal injury lawyer. He uses this knowledge to help victims pursue justice and compensation. He offers personalized support and genuinely cares about your rights if you've been involved in a slip-and-fall accident.  

Do This Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall Accident  

Regardless of the location, your safety and well-being come first after a slip-and-fall accident. Here's what you should do to protect your health and any legal claim you might have.  

1. Seek Medical Attention  

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, including fractures, concussions, or soft tissue damage. Even if you feel okay initially, symptoms might not appear until later. Visiting a healthcare provider allows you to immediately document your injuries, which can serve as evidence if you file a claim.  

2. Report the Incident  

Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor of the accident immediately. Request a copy of the incident report for your records. This document serves as evidence for future legal action.  

3. Document the Scene  

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, if possible. Capture anything that could have contributed to the fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or lack of warning signs. Be as detailed as possible—it’s always better to have more information than less.  

4. Collect Witness Information  

If anyone witnessed your accident, get their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Witness accounts can corroborate your version of events in case of a dispute.  

5. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies  

Insurance adjusters may want to discuss your case or offer a quick settlement, but remember, their goal is to minimize payouts. Avoid giving detailed statements or accepting offers without consulting a lawyer first.  

6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer  

Slip and fall cases can be complicated, involving property law and varying levels of liability. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and maximize your chances of securing compensation.  

California Laws Governing Slip-and-Fall Accidents  

California recognizes premises liability laws, which hold property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. Under these laws, property owners owe a duty of care to those who enter their property legally, whether they’re customers, employees, or social guests.  

To file a claim for a slip and fall accident, you must prove the following elements: 

• Duty of care: The property owner or manager owed you a duty to keep their premises safe.  

• Breach of duty: They failed to uphold this duty due to negligence, such as not repairing a hazard or failing to warn visitors.  

• Causation: Their negligence directly caused your accident and injuries.  

• Damages: You suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering resulting from the fall.  

California also has a "comparative negligence" standard. This means that even if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, though the percentage of your fault may reduce the amount.  

Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents  

Understanding what contributes to slip-and-fall accidents can help you identify potential hazards in everyday life or on a property where an accident occurred. Common causes include: 

• Wet or slippery floors: This includes spills, mopped floors without warning signs, or icy walkways.  

• Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, torn carpeting, or loose floorboards can create tripping hazards.  

• Poor lighting: Dimly lit areas can make it challenging to notice obstacles or uneven surfaces.  

• Cluttered walkways: Items left in walkways, such as boxes or cords, can easily lead to falls.  

• Defective stairs or railings: Broken steps, lack of handrails, or loose carpeting on stairs are significant hazards.  

Each hazard falls under the property owner's responsibility to address promptly. Failing to do so demonstrates negligence, which could make them liable for your injuries.  

The Importance of Seeking Legal Help  

Slip-and-fall injuries can cause physical pain and financial strain due to lost income, medical bills, and even long-term rehabilitation.  

While property owners and their insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame, a skilled personal injury attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve.  

Knowing how to approach such claims and counter common defense strategies can make all the difference in securing a favorable outcome. Antaramian Law, APC brings a wealth of experience to slip-and-fall cases, offering clients dedicated representation backed by legal insight.    

Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Los Angeles, California  

Andrew Antaramian spent several years defending insurance companies against personal injury claims. During this time, he saw firsthand the pain and suffering that accident victims endured. Motivated to help individuals—not billion-dollar insurance companies—Andrew transitioned to personal injury law.

As the founding attorney behind Antaramian Law, APC, he uses his knowledge of how insurers operate to help his clients fight for compensation.