Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, and when they do, the injuries can be serious. If a property owner’s negligence caused your fall, Maier Gutierrez & Associates can help you pursue compensation. A slip and fall lawyer from our Reno team will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and advocate for your recovery. Whether the fall occurred in a store, on a sidewalk, or at a workplace, we’re prepared to hold the responsible party accountable. Call 775-406-8981 today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer.
How to Document a Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences often last much longer. From broken bones to back injuries, the physical pain is real—and so is the financial strain. If your fall happened because of someone else’s carelessness, you may have a legal claim. But to pursue it successfully, documentation is key.
What you do in the hours and days after a fall in Reno or elsewhere in Nevada can make or break your case. Whether it happened in a grocery store, a hotel lobby, or a sidewalk outside a business, being prepared can protect your rights and help you build a strong foundation for compensation.
Start with Immediate Safety and Medical Care
The first priority is always your safety. If you’re seriously injured, call 911 or ask someone nearby to do it for you. Don’t try to stand or walk if you feel dizzy or in pain—this can make your injury worse. If your injuries are not life-threatening, it’s still important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Even if you feel fine in the moment, don’t assume you’re uninjured. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Having a medical exam not only protects your health but also creates an official record of your condition immediately after the fall. This report may become a critical piece of evidence later.
Take Photos of the Scene Right Away
If you’re able to do so safely—or if someone with you can help—take photos or videos of the area where the fall happened. The conditions may change quickly, especially if a store employee rushes to clean up a spill or fix a hazard. Document anything that might have contributed to the fall, such as:
- Wet or uneven floors
- Cracked pavement
- Poor lighting
- Debris or clutter
- Lack of warning signs
Try to capture wide shots of the entire area as well as close-up images of the specific hazard. Take note of the weather if you were outside, and snap a photo of your clothing and shoes, as these could be factors later in the investigation.
Report the Incident to the Property Owner or Manager
Tell the store manager, property owner, or whoever is responsible for the location that you fell. Ask them to create an incident report, and request a copy for your records. Be brief and factual when describing what happened. Avoid making emotional statements or admitting fault. You might not yet know all the details or what caused the fall, so it’s best to stick to the basics.
If the business refuses to give you a copy of the report, write down the name and position of the person you spoke with. You may need this information later when dealing with insurance companies or attorneys.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
If anyone saw you fall—or arrived right afterward—ask for their names and contact details. Eyewitness statements can provide valuable support for your claim, especially if they noticed the hazard or how long it had been present. Try to record their accounts while everything is still fresh.
Even someone who didn’t see the exact fall but saw the conditions just before or after can be helpful. You never know which detail might be important.
Keep a Detailed Record of Everything
Start a notebook or digital file where you can track all developments related to your injury. This should include:
- Dates and details of medical visits
- Any symptoms you experience
- Changes in your ability to work or perform daily tasks
- Travel costs to appointments
- Notes from conversations with insurance companies or property representatives
Keeping everything organized can save time and frustration later. It also strengthens your credibility by showing you were thorough and consistent in your reporting.
Preserve Your Clothing and Shoes
Don’t wash or throw away the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident. They could become evidence, especially if they show signs of the fall—such as tears, scuffs, or dampness. Place them in a sealed bag and store them in a safe place. Your attorney may want to review them or use them as part of your claim.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Adjusters
After reporting the incident, you may be contacted by an insurance company representing the property owner. Be cautious. Their goal is to protect their client, not you. Avoid giving a recorded statement, and don’t speculate about the cause of the fall or your injuries.
You are not required to speak to them without legal advice. In many cases, it’s better to consult a personal injury lawyer first. They can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you don’t accidentally say something that could hurt your case.
Understand How Nevada Law Affects Your Claim
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you’re found to be more than 50% responsible for your own fall, you may not recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury awards you $50,000 but finds you 20% at fault, you would receive $40,000. Because of this rule, it’s especially important to gather strong evidence showing the property owner’s role in the accident.
Nevada also has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether.
Acting Quickly Can Make All the Difference
Slip and fall accidents are more complex than they may seem. Property owners and their insurers often fight hard to avoid responsibility. That’s why it’s a smart move to speak with a personal injury attorney if you’ve been injured in a fall.
A lawyer can help you collect additional evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit if needed. They can also advise you on how to handle communication and what compensation you may be entitled to under Nevada law.
The more time that passes after a slip and fall accident, the harder it becomes to prove what happened. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses can forget. Property owners may deny responsibility. Taking the right steps early on gives you a stronger position to protect your health, your finances, and your future.
A Slip and Fall Attorney Who Will Stand Up for You
Slip and fall accidents can lead to painful injuries and mounting expenses. At Maier Gutierrez & Associates, our Reno team is here to help you pursue a premises liability claim and recover the compensation you need. A skilled slip and fall attorney will gather evidence, assess liability, and advocate for your financial and physical recovery. We understand how one careless property owner can change your life—and we’ll make sure they’re held accountable. Contact us today at 775-406-8981 for a free consultation with a slip and fall attorney who knows how to win.