What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

A fall accident can happen anywhere, from a busy grocery store in Houston to an office building that seems safe, to a neighbor’s home that seems secure. 

The sudden, jarring experience can leave you stunned and in pain. It’s very important to know exactly what to do after a slip and fall accident, not only to protect your health but also to protect your legal rights. 

At first, these incidents may seem small, like a moment of embarrassment, but they can quickly turn into serious injuries that change your life forever. Fractures, debilitating head trauma, and long-term mobility problems are sadly not uncommon. The ground rises faster than you think, and suddenly, everything is out of whack.

This guide will help you figure out what to do next if you slipped and fell and are now in pain, confused, and unsure of what to do next. It covers everything from getting medical help immediately to dealing with the complexities of filing a possible legal claim in Texas.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Houston: What the Data Tells Us

Houston’s population is growing quickly, and its busy business districts mean there are many people walking around in both public and private places. 

The Texas Department of State Health Services says that in recent years, unintentional falls were the most common cause of non-fatal injuries in Texas for adults 45 and older.

Houston Public Works reports that there are still problems with uneven sidewalks, construction zones, and public walkways that aren’t lit. These are all things that often cause people to slip and fall. Also, flooding or high humidity can make floors slippery in places like office buildings and restaurants.

This is why slip-and-fall accidents happen all the time in Houston. Injured people can better understand their risk and what kinds of property hazards Texas law says are negligent if they know where and why these accidents happen.

Common Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents

Even a simple fall can lead to severe injuries. Some of the most common include:

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The first and most crucial step in what to do after a slip and fall accident is to assess your injuries and seek prompt medical care. 

Even if you feel fine right after the accident, your body’s natural release of adrenaline can hide signs of serious injury. 

At first, injuries like concussions, internal bruising, sprains, or even hairline fractures may not show any apparent signs or cause a lot of pain.

Going to the doctor or an urgent care clinic ensures you are safe, gets you the proper diagnosis, and makes an official, unbiased medical record. This paperwork will be vital if you decide to sue for your injuries later. 

If you’re unsure how bad your injuries are or if you fell and hit your head, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and get checked out. Even in what might seem like mild cases, comprehensive slip and fall injury treatment should always be taken seriously because the long-term effects can be significant.

Step 2: Report the Incident to the Property Owner or Manager

After your fall, let the property owner, store manager, or person in charge of the premises know as soon as possible. Tell them to write up an official report of the incident and ask for a copy for your records.

This paperwork records the slip and fall and lets the person in charge know it happened. It also stops people from arguing later about whether or not the event occurred.

Filing this report is crucial if you fall in a public or commercial place, like a grocery store, restaurant, or mall.

Step 3: Document the Scene

Evidence from a slip and fall accident can disappear very quickly. For example, a puddle can dry up, a spill can be cleaned up, a broken tile can be fixed, or inadequate lighting can be changed. 

If you later decide to file a claim, acting quickly, even if you’re hurt or scared, can make a big difference in proving what happened. 

After you slip and fall, here’s what you need to write down right away:

Take comprehensive photographs and videos of the scene: 

 Take wide shots that show the whole area and close-ups of the specific hazard that made you fall with your smartphone. Was the floor wet? A surface that isn’t even? Bad lighting? An aisle that is too full? 

Get shots from different angles, and make sure the lighting is visible. Take pictures of any warning signs, or, more importantly, the lack of warning signs. 

If you spilled something, write down how big it was, what color it was, and where it happened to where you fell. The more pictures you have, the better, because they tell the story of the dangerous situation.

Capture your injuries and any visible bruising or swelling: 

Take pictures of your injuries and any bruises or swelling that you can see: Take clear pictures of any injuries you can see right away, like scrapes, cuts, swelling, or bruises, before they go away or change. 

Keep taking pictures of your injuries in the days and weeks after the accident to show how they are improving. This picture is proof that your fall had a physical effect on you.

Gather witness contact information from anyone who saw the fall: 

Independent witnesses can give beneficial, unbiased accounts of what happened and what caused it to happen. If someone saw you fall, ask them for their name, phone number, and email address. 

Their testimony can back up what you say and strengthen your case.

Save your clothing and shoes: 

Do not clean, fix, or throw away the clothes and shoes you were wearing when you slipped and fell. 

These things can be critical pieces of physical evidence. If they got wet or dirty because of the hazard, or if your shoes have specific tread patterns that could be important, their condition can help show what happened when you fell. 

Put them in a bag and keep them safe.

Don’t let necessary proof get lost. Call DeHoyos Accident Attorneys right away for a free consultation if you or someone you care about has been in a fall accident in Houston. Our knowledgeable staff can help you understand your rights and make sure that all critical evidence is kept so that you can make a strong case for your recovery.

Step 4: Avoid Giving Detailed Statements or Signing Anything

If you fall and slip, the property owner’s insurance company may contact you. Be careful. Talk to a personal injury lawyer before you give a recorded statement or sign anything. Insurance adjusters are trained to pay out as little as possible, and they may try to get you to downplay your injuries.

Stick to the basics: 

Confirm that something happened and that you need medical help. Do not discuss who is to blame or how bad the injuries are without legal assistance.

Step 5: Understand Your Rights Under Texas Premises Liability Law

If you have a slip-and-fall accident, you should know what to do afterward. In Texas, premises liability law is the legal framework that governs these kinds of accidents. 

This critical area of law says that property owners, whether they own a business, a home, or manage public spaces, are legally required to keep their property safe for visitors. 

They can be held responsible if their carelessness in doing this duty causes injuries.

1. A dangerous condition existed on the property.

This means the property had a dangerous part that was too risky to be safe. 

Some examples are a floor that stays wet because of a leak, uneven or broken pavement, a walkway that isn’t well lit, or spilled goods in an aisle. It has to be a danger that a reasonable person would think is dangerous.

2. The property owner knew or should have known about the condition

This part differentiates between actual knowledge (the owner knew about the danger) and constructive knowledge (the danger had been there long enough that a reasonable and careful owner would have found it during regular inspections). 

For example, a puddle that has been there for hours without being cleaned shows constructive knowledge.

3. They failed to warn you or fix the hazard

A property owner must act when they know or should know about a dangerous situation. 

This means that they need to fix the problem (for example, clean up the spill or fix the broken step) or, if they can’t do it right away, put up clear and helpful warnings (like “wet floor” signs) to keep visitors safe.

4. This failure caused your injury

You must show that the property owner’s carelessness (not warning you about or fixing the danger) directly caused your injuries. 

Your treatment for your slip-and-fall injury must be directly related to that specific dangerous situation.

Texas law has a lot of these principles, and Chapter 101 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code has more information on liability principles, such as what duties are owed to different types of visitors. 

 The longer you wait to act, the harder it can be to get the proof you need to show that someone was careless. Evidence can go missing, and witnesses’ memories may fade, making winning your case harder.

Common Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Occur

While slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, these environments are most commonly associated with hazards:

Grocery stores and retail shops 

spilled liquids, aisle obstructions

Restaurants and fast-food chains 

grease or food spills

Apartment complexes 

broken stairs, icy sidewalks

Office buildings and lobbies 

freshly mopped floors, loose carpeting

Sidewalks and public walkways 

cracked pavement, poor lighting

If you’ve experienced a fall accident in any of these locations, it’s essential to determine who had control over the premises and whether proper maintenance was upheld.

What If I Slipped and Fell Due to My Carelessness?

The law of modified comparative fault applies in Texas. You can’t get damages if you are found to be more than 50% at fault. But if you are only 50% responsible or less, you can still get paid, but your damages will be less because of your level of fault.

For example, if you were texting when you slipped and fell in a dark stairwell, you might be found 20% responsible. If your damages are $100,000, you would get $80,000.

When to Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer

If your slip and fall accident involved serious injury, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurers, contacting a personal injury attorney is a smart move. A skilled legal advocate can:

• Conduct a detailed investigation
• Identify liable parties (including property managers or third-party contractors)
• Negotiate with insurance providers.
• Represent you in court if necessary

If you’re unsure where to start, our personal injury FAQ page provides quick answers to common questions.

You can also explore our attorney profile for Ryan A. DeHoyos to learn more about our approach.

Hear From Others Who’ve Been There

Every case is unique, but shared experiences can provide comfort and direction. If you’re wondering whether your situation warrants legal help, browsing our client testimonials may help you understand what to expect.

Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?

A lot of people want to know if they can sue for a fall. The answer is different for everyone. If someone was careless and hurt you, and you have medical bills, lost wages, or long-term pain as a result, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

Texas law says that you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Houston. If you act quickly, you can protect your rights.

Contact the Houston Slip and Fall Lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for Help Today!

Slip and fall accidents happen fast, but their consequences can last years. From mounting medical bills to permanent injuries, the aftermath can derail your life. If you’re asking yourself, “I slipped and fell—what do I do now?”, the answer is simple: act quickly and strategically.

The team at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys is here to help Houston residents navigate their recovery and legal rights after a fall. We’ll assess your case, help preserve evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve—with clarity, compassion, and commitment.Contact us today for a free consultation and start putting your life back on track. Visit our contact page or call to speak directly with someone who’s ready to help.