Slip and Fall Accident Mistakes to Avoid
Slip and fall accidents can strike in virtually any setting—from bustling sidewalks and busy grocery aisles to quiet parking lots and private spaces like backyard pools. These unexpected falls can happen to anyone—regardless of age—and lead to anything from a few minor bruises to serious injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injury.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Matter
- 8 million people visit hospitals each year because of injuries caused by falls.
- 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, affecting more than 800,000 people annually.
- 30% of people over 65 suffer a fall injury every year, and 10% of those are either fatal or serious. (NCBI)
You may not know what you should do after a slip and fall accident, especially if you have been seriously hurt. Use this resource to help you navigate what slip and fall mistakes to avoid.
Sources: Slip, Trip, and Fall Statistics of 2025, OSHA Education School and Falls, World Health Organization
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Slip and Fall Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to collect evidence. Do not leave without collecting evidence. Capture photos, videos, and damaged items like torn or ripped clothing.
- Failing to notify the property owner or manager. Report the incident promptly, sharing only essential details (date, time, location).
- Overlooking surveillance footage. Ask if any cameras may have recorded your fall and take steps to preserve the footage.
- Discussing details of the accident. Avoid sharing specifics with property owners, managers, or insurance adjusters. This can give them a chance to fix the problem (or possibly destroy evidence), and they may use your words to minimize liability.
Providing recorded statements. Insurance companies are not on your side. They are not looking out for your best interests, and anything you say (recorded or not) may be used against you at a later date.- Speaking to insurance companies directly. Let your attorney handle communications to protect your interests.
- Delaying legal action. Waiting to file a claim or consult a personal injury attorney can result in lost evidence or missing critical deadlines to take action. An attorney can help you navigate the legal system and provide you with expert advice on the best way to proceed.
- Accepting a settlement without legal advice. Once you settle, it’s final. An attorney can help assess the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and lost wages.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Injury
- Stay at the scene. If possible, remain where the accident occurred and ask a witness to call for help.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, symptoms of serious injuries like concussions or internal trauma can be delayed. Call an ambulance, visit a hospital, or see your own doctor. Not getting medical treatment can mean a serious injury is not treated or attributed to your slip and fall.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene before it’s cleaned or altered. Write down what happened, gather witness contact info, and save all related materials—photos, receipts, emails, medical records, and communications.
Questions? Call us at (877) 284-6600, Chat Online, or use our Text Us widget.
Seriously Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Slip and fall injuries can disrupt your life, affecting mobility, independence, and long-term health. For older adults, these accidents are a leading cause of injury and death.
Having a trusted personal injury attorney by your side can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Nash & Franciskato, our Kansas City-based legal team has a proven track record of helping victims of slip and fall accidents.
Call us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 25, 2022. It was reviewed on August 23, 2023, and updated for content and accuracy. Last editing: October 31, 2025.
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