If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident on business property in Missouri, what you do next can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation. Business owners often act quickly to protect themselves—so it’s important that you take steps to protect your rights as well.
Below are the key actions you should take immediately after a fall to preserve evidence and strengthen your potential claim.
1. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, begin documenting the scene right away. Take clear photographs or videos of the exact location where the fall occurred. Be sure to capture any hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or debris.
If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements may become critical later. Keep in mind that businesses often have the advantage of quickly investigating incidents—so gathering your own evidence early is essential.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Prompt medical care also creates an official record linking your injuries to the fall, which can serve as important evidence in your case.
3. Track All Medical Treatment and Expenses
Keep detailed records of all medical care you receive. This includes:
- Doctor visits
- Diagnoses
- Prescriptions and medications
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You should also document how your injuries affect your daily life and ability to work.
4. Notify the Business
Report the incident to the business owner, manager, or supervisor as soon as possible. Ask them to create an official incident report and request a copy for your records.
This step helps establish that the incident occurred and ensures there is a documented record from the business itself.
5. Identify and Collect Witness Information
If there were bystanders or employees who saw the fall—or who were aware of the hazardous condition beforehand—be sure to collect their contact information.
Witness testimony can play a significant role in establishing how the incident happened and whether the business had prior knowledge of the danger.
6. Preserve Evidence and Send a Written Preservation Request
Evidence can disappear quickly, especially surveillance footage, which is often overwritten within 24 to 72 hours.
To protect your case:
- Send a written request to the business demanding preservation of evidence
- Ask them to retain surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance logs, cleaning records, and inspection reports
- Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall in their original condition—do not wash or alter them
These items may become important in evaluating issues such as fault or liability.
7. Consult an Experienced Attorney
Premises liability cases can be complex. An attorney experienced in Missouri slip and fall cases can help you:
- Preserve critical evidence
- Communicate with the business and insurers
- File a claim within the required deadlines
- Build a strong case on your behalf
In Missouri, personal injury claims are generally subject to a five-year statute of limitations under §516.120 R.S.Mo. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation altogether. There may be other notice requirements to preserve your claim if you are injured on public property, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible is vitally important if you fall on a public sidewalk, parking lot, etc.
Protecting Your Rights After a Fall
Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. By documenting the scene, seeking medical care, preserving evidence, and consulting legal counsel, you put yourself in the best position to pursue a successful claim.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, acting quickly and strategically is key to protecting your legal rights.
