Slip and Fall Accident: Your Step-by-Step Action Guide
A slip and fall accident can happen in seconds but cause injuries lasting months or years. Raffi Naljian helps premises liability victims understand their rights when property owner negligence causes injury. The actions you take immediately after a fall significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. This guide provides clear, practical steps to protect yourself and your potential claim.
Injured in a slip and fall?
Raffi Naljian
Lead Personal Injury Attorney
With 15+ years of experience, Raffi Naljian has recovered millions for accident victims across California. Known for aggressive negotiation and compassionate client care.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Premises liability cases require proving the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. This is different from car accidents where fault may be more clear-cut. Raffi Naljian handles slip and fall cases throughout California and understands the evidence needed to establish liability. When evaluating attorneys for a slip and fall case, ask about their experience with commercial property cases, as these often involve corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
What to Do Next
- 1Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or employee immediately
- 2Request that an incident report be created and ask for a copy
- 3Take photos of the exact hazard that caused your fall
- 4Document the conditions (wet floor, torn carpet, poor lighting, etc.)
- 5Get contact information from any witnesses
- 6Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing
- 7Seek medical attention promptly
- 8Do not sign any documents from the property owner or their insurance
- 9Consult with an attorney before giving recorded statements
📋Evidence Checklist
- Photos of the hazard immediately after the fall
- Incident report from the property
- Witness names and contact information
- Your shoes and clothing from the incident
- Surveillance footage request (act quickly—it may be deleted)
- Maintenance records for the property
- Prior complaint records about similar hazards
- Medical records documenting your injuries
- Weather conditions if relevant to outdoor falls
Not sure if you have a valid claim?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving without documenting the hazard
- Failing to report the incident to management
- Not seeking prompt medical attention
- Accepting blame or saying "I'm fine" to property staff
- Waiting too long to preserve surveillance footage
- Throwing away the shoes you were wearing
- Signing release forms without legal review
- Posting about the incident on social media
How the Process Typically Works
Incident Documentation
Report, photograph, and gather witness information at the scene
Medical Care
Get examined and follow treatment recommendations
Investigation
Attorney investigates property history and maintenance practices
Liability Establishment
Building the case that the owner knew or should have known of the hazard
Demand Presentation
Sending demand to property owner's insurance
Negotiation or Litigation
Working toward resolution through settlement or court
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Emergency room and medical treatment costs
- •Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- •Lost wages during recovery
- •Pain and suffering
- •Permanent injury or disability
- •Future medical expenses
- •Emotional distress from the trauma
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prove the property owner was negligent?
You generally need to show: (1) a dangerous condition existed, (2) the owner knew or should have known about it, (3) they failed to fix it or warn of it, and (4) the condition caused your injury. Evidence like maintenance logs and prior complaints can help.
What if I was partially at fault for the fall?
California uses comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover even if partly at fault. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit?
California's statute of limitations for premises liability is generally two years from the date of injury. Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines (often six months to file a claim).
What if the fall happened at a government property?
Claims against government entities (city sidewalks, public buildings) have special procedures and shorter deadlines. You typically must file an administrative claim within six months. An attorney can help ensure compliance.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a slip and fall?
It depends on injury severity and case complexity. For serious injuries, disputed liability, or commercial/government properties, legal representation is often beneficial. For minor injuries with clear liability, you might handle it yourself.
What if there were no witnesses to my fall?
While witnesses help, they're not always necessary. Surveillance footage, your own documentation, and evidence of the hazard can support your claim. The key is documenting the dangerous condition.
Property owners have insurance for a reason.
Related Resources
Free Consultation
Speak with Raffi Naljian about your case
Free Case Review
Share the basics first, then we’ll tailor the next step around your injuries, insurance pressure, and how fast you need help.
What happens next
Tell us the case basics.
Add the details that shape urgency.
We reach out with the next best step.
Urgent cases can be triaged faster by phone. If an insurer is already pressuring you, call now and then finish the form.
Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.