What to Do After a Slip‑and‑Fall Injury in West Covina: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
By the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne, West Covina, CA
If you were hurt in a slip‑and‑fall, what you do in the first hours and days can make a major difference in your health and in any injury claim. This practical guide walks you through clear steps—what to do, what to avoid, and when to talk with a lawyer.
If you’d like tailored advice for your situation, reach out to the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne.
1) Put safety and medical care first
- Move out of harm’s way. If you’re seriously injured or can’t move safely, call 911 or ask someone to call for you.
- Get medical care the same day, even if you “feel fine.” Some injuries (concussions, internal injuries, soft‑tissue damage) reveal themselves hours or days later. Your medical visit also documents what happened.
2) Report the incident—on the spot if you can
- Tell the property owner/manager (store supervisor, landlord, security, or homeowner). Ask them to create an incident report and request a copy or at least the report number.
- Confirm key details in writing (email or text): date, time, location, and a short description of how you fell.
3) Document the scene thoroughly
If it’s safe to do so—or ask a companion to help—collect:
- Photos/video of the hazard (wet floor, spilled product, loose rug, broken tile, poor lighting, lack of warning cones), your injuries, and the surrounding area from multiple angles.
- Conditions : lighting, weather (if outdoors), footwear you wore, and any warning or lack of warning signs
- Witness info : names, phone numbers, and what they observed (including employees who were present).
4) Preserve physical evidence
- Do not wash or repair the shoes or clothing you wore. Place them in a clean bag and label them with the date/time.
- Keep receipts (parking, purchase receipts, medical bills, medications, crutches, braces) and any communications with the property owner or insurer.
5) Be careful with statements and forms
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the property owner’s insurer before you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Don’t sign medical releases or settlement documents without legal advice. These forms can be broader than they appear.
6) Ask for critical evidence to be saved
Security video and maintenance logs can be overwritten quickly. A law firm can send a preservation (spoliation) letter asking the property owner to retain:
- Surveillance footage
- Sweep/inspection logs and incident reports
- Repair or cleaning records
- Employee schedules and training materials
If you’d like our team to handle this step, contact the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne.
7) Understand California timelines (deadlines matter)
- General personal‑injury deadline : In California, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit for personal injury. There are exceptions, but missing the deadline can bar your claim. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
- If the property was owned by a government entity (for example, a city sidewalk, county building, public school): You must usually file a government claim first —often within 6 months of the incident. If the claim is denied, you generally have 6 months from the denial to file a lawsuit; if the agency doesn’t respond within 45 days, different timelines may apply. These rules are strict. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
Tip: Government‑property cases have unique rules and shorter deadlines. If there’s any chance a public entity is involved, speak with a lawyer immediately. Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
8) Common causes of slip‑and‑fall injuries
- Spills or tracked‑in water without prompt cleanup
- Missing or faded warning signs
- Uneven floors, broken tiles, curled rugs, or raised sidewalk slabs
- Poor lighting on stairs or walkways
- Missing handrails or non‑compliant steps
- Leaks/roof issues causing wet floors
9) What compensation can include
Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills (past and future) and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Out‑of‑pocket costs (mileage to appointments, medical devices)
Every case is different; the strength of your evidence and the degree of fault on each side can affect case value.
10) How a West Covina premises‑liability lawyer helps
- Investigates quickly : Secures video, inspections, and witness statements before they disappear.
- Builds liability : Shows the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix or warn.
- Handles insurers : Protects you from tactics that minimize injuries or shift blame.
- Values your claim : Coordinates with your providers to capture the full scope of harm and future needs.
Have questions? Connect with the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne for guidance on your next steps.
Quick Checklist (save or screenshot)
Right away
- Get to safety; call 911 for serious injuries.
- Photograph the hazard and your injuries (multiple angles).
- Report the incident to the owner/manager; request an incident report.
- Collect witness names and contact info.
Within 24–48 hours
- See a doctor and follow medical advice.
- Write down what happened while it’s fresh (time, location, what you were doing, what you noticed).
- Bag and save your shoes and clothing unwashed.
- Keep receipts and any communications.
Soon after
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers.
- Talk with a slip‑and‑fall attorney—especially if a public entity may be involved.
FAQs
Do I have a case if there was a “Wet Floor” sign?
Maybe. A warning sign helps the defense, but it doesn’t automatically defeat your claim. Much depends on sign placement, visibility, and whether reasonable cleanup/repair steps were taken.
What if I slipped outside the store, on the sidewalk?
It could involve multiple potential defendants (the business, the property owner, or a public entity). The sooner you identify who controls the area, the better—deadlines may differ, especially for public property.
Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
I felt okay at first, but hurt the next day—does that matter?
Yes. Delayed symptoms are common. Get medical care promptly and explain that the pain started after your fall so it’s documented.
Talk to a West Covina Slip‑and‑Fall Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in a slip‑and‑fall in West Covina or the San Gabriel Valley , we’re here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Contact the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne .
Legal notice: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Deadlines and laws can change, and exceptions may apply to your situation. For advice about your case, please consult an attorney licensed in California.