Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury in the San Gabriel Valley. Whether you’re shopping at a local grocery store, walking through a parking lot, or visiting a public building, a slip and fall can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage.
While California law allows injury victims to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, certain mistakes can weaken your claim and make it difficult to recover the compensation you deserve.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top five mistakes to avoid after a slip and fall accident and how a skilled attorney can help protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in the San Gabriel Valley, call Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys at (626) 737-0036 for a free consultation.
Mistake #1: Not Reporting the Accident Immediately
Failing to report your accident right away can hurt your credibility and make it harder to prove your case. Property owners and insurance companies often argue that if the accident was serious, you would have reported it immediately.
What to Do Instead:
Notify the property owner, store manager, or landlord immediately.
Request a written incident report. Most businesses have procedures for handling accidents and will document your report.
If the accident happens on public property, such as a sidewalk or government building, contact the local municipality to file a report.
Example: Maria slipped on a spilled drink at a San Gabriel grocery store. She didn’t report the accident, assuming her pain would go away. A week later, when she saw a doctor for her worsening injuries, the store’s insurance company denied her claim because there was no official record of the accident.
Mistake #2: Failing to Gather Evidence at the Scene
Many slip and fall victims leave the scene without collecting evidence, making it difficult to prove that the property owner was negligent.
What to Do Instead:
Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your fall (e.g., wet floors, broken stairs, uneven pavement).
Get contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
Keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall, as they may serve as evidence.
Example: John tripped over a broken step outside a restaurant in Alhambra. He didn’t take pictures, and by the time he filed a claim, the step had been repaired. Without photo evidence, proving negligence was difficult.
Mistake #3: Delaying Medical Treatment
Some victims assume they are fine and delay seeking medical treatment, only to realize later that their injuries are serious. Insurance companies often use delays in treatment as an excuse to deny or reduce claims.
What to Do Instead:
See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
Follow all medical recommendations and attend follow-up appointments.
Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and bills.
Example: After slipping on a wet floor in a Pasadena office building, Robert felt sore but didn’t see a doctor. A month later, his back pain worsened, and he was diagnosed with a herniated disc. The insurance company argued that his injury was unrelated to the fall because he didn’t seek medical care right away.
Mistake #4: Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation
Insurance companies are not on your side—their goal is to minimize payouts. If you speak to an adjuster without an attorney, they may twist your words to reduce or deny your claim.
What to Do Instead:
Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without consulting an attorney.
Avoid discussing fault or making statements like, “I should have been more careful.”
Let your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company.
Example: After her fall at a Monrovia shopping mall, Linda received a call from the property’s insurance company. She mentioned she was “distracted” while walking. The insurer used her statement to argue that she was partially at fault, reducing her compensation.
Mistake #5: Not Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney
Many slip and fall victims try to handle their claims alone, only to face delays, low settlement offers, or outright denials. A skilled attorney knows how to prove liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation.
What to Do Instead:
Consult an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will evaluate your case and protect your rights.
Choose a firm with experience in slip and fall cases. Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in premises liability claims.
Don’t accept the first settlement offer without legal advice—it may be much lower than what you deserve.
Example: After slipping in a poorly lit parking lot in Arcadia, James filed a claim on his own. The insurance company offered a low settlement that barely covered his medical bills. After hiring an attorney, he was able to secure triple the original offer.
How a Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help
Hiring a personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in your case. A lawyer can:✅ Investigate the accident and gather evidence✅ Prove that the property owner was negligent✅ Handle all communications with insurance companies✅ Negotiate for a fair settlement✅ File a lawsuit if necessary
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait—contact Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys today.
Call (626) 737-0036 for a free consultation.
Resources for Further Research
For more information on slip and fall laws in California, visit:
California Premises Liability Law – www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
National Safety Council – Slip and Fall Prevention – www.nsc.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Fall Prevention – www.cdc.gov
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Fall Hazards – www.osha.gov
Call for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in the San Gabriel Valley, don’t make the mistakes that could cost you your rightful compensation. Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys is here to fight for you.
📞 Call (626) 737-0036 for a free consultation today.
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