Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them. You might be walking through a grocery store, heading into work, or visiting a friend’s apartment when suddenly you’re on the ground wondering what just happened. These accidents are more common than many people realize, and they can leave you not only embarrassed but also dealing with serious injuries. If you’re in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah, knowing what to do after a slip and fall accident can make all the difference in protecting your health, your finances, and your rights.
In this guide, we’re covering everything from how to handle your injuries in the moment to what actions to take if you decide to pursue a legal claim later.
Step 1: Check Yourself and Seek Medical Care
The first thing to do after a slip and fall accident is to stop and check yourself for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so you might feel okay at first only to realize later that you’re hurt. Take a moment to see if you can move safely.
If you’re in pain, call for help right away. Ask a store employee, property manager, or someone nearby to call an ambulance if needed. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s still smart to see a doctor as soon as possible. Head injuries, back problems, or internal injuries may not show obvious symptoms at first. Getting medical care not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries, which can help if you need to make a claim.
Step 2: Report the Accident Immediately
After you’ve taken care of your health, report the slip and fall accident to the property owner, manager, or whoever is responsible for the area. If it’s a business, ask to speak with the manager on duty.
Make sure an incident report is created and ask for a copy. If they don’t have a formal process, write down the details yourself and ask them to acknowledge it. Having a written report creates a timeline that shows when and where the accident happened.
Step 3: Document the Scene
You’ve probably got your phone on you, so put it to good use. Take photos or videos of the area where you fell. Focus on the conditions that caused the accident. Was there water on the floor? Was the sidewalk uneven? Was there ice, loose carpet, or poor lighting?
Photographs are powerful evidence because property conditions can be cleaned up or repaired quickly after an accident. If you don’t capture the scene right away, you might lose important proof of what caused your fall.
Step 4: Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw your slip and fall accident, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses can confirm what happened and provide extra details that support your account. Even if you know the people personally, it’s still a good idea to write down their information and what they saw.
Step 5: Keep Records of Everything
From the moment the accident happens, keep track of everything. That includes your medical visits, prescriptions, physical therapy appointments, and any receipts related to your injury. If you miss work because of your injuries, record the hours or days lost.
All of this helps show the impact the accident has had on your life. When you’re thinking about what to do after a slip and fall accident, one of the most important things is to build a clear picture of how it has affected you financially, physically, and emotionally.
Step 6: Be Careful With What You Say
It’s natural to feel flustered after a fall and want to apologize, but try not to say things like “I’m fine” or “It’s my fault.” These words can be taken out of context later and used to argue against your claim.
Stick to the facts. Report what happened without guessing or blaming yourself. If you’re contacted by an insurance company, remember that their goal is often to pay as little as possible. You’re not required to give a recorded statement without legal advice, and you don’t have to settle quickly just because they offer money upfront.
Step 7: Understand Utah’s Slip and Fall Laws
It’s important to understand how slip and fall laws work here in Utah. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they knew about a dangerous condition (or should have known) and failed to fix it, they could be held responsible for your injuries.
Utah also follows a comparative negligence rule. This means if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $50,000 but found 20% at fault, you’d receive $40,000. That’s why gathering strong evidence and having an experienced attorney matters. For a deeper look at how liability works in these cases, check out who is liable in a public slip and fall accident.
Step 8: Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Salt Lake City
When you’re recovering from an injury, the last thing you want is to navigate complicated legal rules and battle with insurance companies. This is where having a slip and fall lawyer on your side can make the process smoother.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Work with medical experts to prove your injuries
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
In Utah, there’s also a time limit for filing a claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally four years, but waiting too long can make gathering evidence more difficult. Reaching out to a lawyer sooner rather than later helps protect your rights.
Step 9: Focus on Recovery
At the end of the day, your health and recovery are what matter most. Slip and fall accidents can lead to lingering pain, limited mobility, and stress. Following through with your medical care, doing recommended physical therapy, and giving yourself time to heal are essential steps.
Injured in a Slip and Fall? Let Robert J. DeBry Fight for You
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The team at Robert J. DeBry is here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation. You’ll get answers to your questions, guidance on what to do after a slip and fall accident, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing experienced attorneys are on your side.
