What All Slip And Fall Accident Victims Should Know

Today we are going to discuss “What All Slip And Fall Accident Victims Should Know”.

Slip and fall accidents happen more often than you might think—and they’re not always minor. In fact, some victims walk away with life-changing injuries that can impact their mobility, livelihood, and overall quality of life. From ongoing medical treatments to mounting expenses, the aftermath of a serious fall can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s important to understand your rights and what steps to take next.

Characteristics Of A Slip And Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident happens when someone unexpectedly loses their balance and falls due to an unsafe condition on a walking surface. While many people associate these accidents with slippery floors, they can occur in a wide variety of settings and under many different circumstances.

Slip and falls aren’t always caused by spills or wet floors—sometimes it’s a loose tile, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or even a hidden obstacle that leads to a serious fall. These incidents can happen anywhere: inside a grocery store, walking down a stairwell, navigating a poorly maintained sidewalk, or even in your workplace.

Common examples of slip and fall accidents include:

Falling down stairs due to a broken handrail or poor lighting
Tripping on a torn or buckled rug, uneven flooring, or a cracked tile
Losing balance after stepping into a pothole or ground-level hole
Slipping on water, oil, or ice left untreated on a smooth surface

No matter how they happen, slip and fall accidents can lead to significant injuries—ranging from sprained ankles and broken bones to head trauma or long-term mobility issues. That’s why identifying the cause and documenting the conditions that led to the fall is so important if you’re considering legal action.

Seeking Medical Care In A Slip and Fall Accident

Not all slip and fall accidents leave you with obvious, severe injuries. Sometimes it’s just a scraped knee or a sore wrist—and it’s easy to brush it off and move on. But here’s the thing: even falls that seem minor at first can lead to more serious health issues, especially if they involve a blow to the head, back, or joints.

For example, you might slip, hit your head, and walk away with just a bump. But hours—or even days—later, symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or headaches can start to set in. These could be signs of a concussion or even a traumatic brain injury. The same goes for back or joint pain that worsens over time or affects your ability to move normally.

So what should you do if you have a slip and fall accident? Always get checked out by a medical professional, even if you think you’re okay. A hospital visit or urgent care exam can rule out hidden injuries and create a medical record, which is important if you decide to pursue a legal claim later on.

Prompt medical attention not only protects your health—it also protects your rights. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain or something more serious, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Legal Proceedings In A Slip And Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident and believe the property owner was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. But navigating the legal process can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury. That’s why your first step should always be to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

During your initial consultation, your attorney will review the details of your accident, including where and how it happened, the extent of your injuries, and any evidence you have (like photos, witness statements, or medical records). It’s a good idea to bring all relevant documents with you—anything from accident reports to hospital discharge papers can help build a stronger case.

If the attorney determines you have a valid claim, they’ll help you move forward with the legal process. This often begins with filing a claim against the property owner’s insurance company. In many cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a fair settlement without ever going to court. However, if the insurance company disputes your claim or refuses to offer reasonable compensation, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court.

Throughout the process, your lawyer will guide you step-by-step, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed. Every case is different, so it’s important to work closely with your attorney to determine the best path forward—whether that’s settling out of court or preparing for trial.

Economic Damages In A Slip And Fall Accident

In either instance, you and your attorney should determine how much your injuries are worth from a financial standpoint. This is referred to as your economic damages. Your economic damages include an ambulance ride, your hospital visit, and all subsequent treatments and therapies you need.

This also includes treatments you may need throughout the rest of your life. Injuries from a slip and fall can impact you later in life, even if you believe you are fully healed. For this reason, your attorney will estimate a figure for any potential medical needs you have in the future.

You are also entitled to receive damages for the time you missed from work. Your attorney can claim your inability to work your normal job as a result of the injury from the accident. The inability to work in your industry means you are not able to make the same amount of money or no money at all.

Additionally, you may be entitled to other damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even punitive damages if the circumstances of your accident are particularly egregious or result in a catastrophic injury such as paralysis or severe brain trauma.

Contact Cantor Injury Law for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Cantor Injury Law, we’ve been helping accident victims across Missouri for over 30 years—and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your injuries are minor or life-changing, we’ll take the time to understand your case and guide you every step of the way.

Your consultation is completely free, and you won’t owe us a thing unless we win your case. Contact Cantor Injury Law today at (314) 628-9999 or fill out our online form to get started. Let us put our experience to work for you.