California Slip & Fall Evidence Checker
Not sure what to do after a slip and fall? Answer a few questions to find out what evidence to save, what to avoid, and whether your situation may need legal review. Results are sent directly to your email.
Free & Confidential
Your answers are private and protected
Takes 5 Minutes
Quick assessment of your situation
Personalized Results
Evidence checklist sent to your email
How It Works
Four Simple Steps
Answer Questions
Tell us about your fall, injuries, and what you've done so far. Takes about 5 minutes.
Get Your Results
We'll analyze your answers and identify time-sensitive actions and evidence to preserve.
Receive Your Checklist
A personalized evidence checklist and next-step recommendations sent directly to your email.
Optional: Talk to an Attorney
If your situation suggests legal review, connect with a California slip and fall attorney at no cost.
Understanding Your Situation
What You Need to Know
What To Do After a Slip and Fall in California
After a slip and fall, your first priority is your safety and health. If possible, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request that an incident report be created. Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect names and contact information from any witnesses. Seek medical attention as soon as possible — even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
What Evidence Should You Save After a Fall?
The most important evidence after a slip and fall includes photos and videos of the hazard (from multiple angles), photos of your injuries (taken regularly as they develop), the shoes and clothing you were wearing, any incident reports, medical records and bills, witness contact information, and any communications with the property owner or insurance company. Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your daily life.
Why Store Video and Incident Reports Matter
Surveillance footage is often the strongest piece of evidence in a slip and fall case — but it's also the most time-sensitive. Many businesses overwrite their security footage every 24 to 72 hours. If cameras were present, sending a written preservation request immediately is critical. Incident reports also document what happened at the time of the fall, including any admissions or statements by property staff. If the store refuses to create or share a report, that itself may be significant.
What If the Fall Happened on a Sidewalk or Public Property?
Falls on public property — including city sidewalks, parks, government buildings, and public parking lots — involve special rules in California. You typically must file a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident, which is much shorter than the standard statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Document the exact location with GPS coordinates, take photos showing the defect with a scale reference, and note any city maintenance activity in the area.
Should You Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after a fall and seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize the company's liability. They may ask for a recorded statement, request that you sign medical authorization forms, or offer a quick settlement. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to reduce or deny your claim. It's generally advisable to consult with an attorney before providing any statement, signing any documents, or accepting any offer from an insurance company.
What If You Need Medical Care or Surgery Later?
Some slip and fall injuries — particularly fractures, head injuries, and back injuries — may require ongoing treatment or surgery. Gaps in medical treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren't serious. If you can't afford treatment, many personal injury attorneys work with medical providers who treat patients on a medical lien basis, meaning you receive care now and pay after your case resolves. Documenting all medical care thoroughly is essential.
When Should You Speak With a Slip and Fall Attorney?
Consider speaking with an attorney if: your injuries are serious (fractures, head injuries, surgery recommended), an insurance company has contacted you, you fell on public property, the property owner is blaming you, you've been asked to sign documents or give a recorded statement, you're not sure who is responsible, or you're worried about medical bills. Most California personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Legal Disclaimer
The California Slip & Fall Evidence Checker is an educational tool only. It does not provide legal advice, determine whether you have a valid claim, guarantee compensation, calculate case value, or create an attorney-client relationship. Only an attorney can evaluate the facts of your specific situation.
Ready to Speak With an Attorney?
If you\'ve been injured in a slip and fall, the attorneys at JSM Injury Firm offer free, no-obligation consultations. No fee unless you recover compensation.