What Should You Do If You Slip in a Grocery Store?
- Natalie
- May 8
- 3 min read
At Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand how a simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a painful, life-altering event. If you’ve slipped and fallen in a store, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you need to know:
Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health comes first. Even if you think you're fine, some injuries—like concussions, soft tissue damage, and fractures—might not show symptoms right away. A doctor can document your injuries, and those records will be critical in proving your case.
Report the Incident to Store Management
Don’t just walk away. Notify the store manager or a supervisor about what happened and ask for a written incident report. If possible, get a copy before you leave. This creates an official record of your fall, which can be essential in proving negligence.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be. Here’s what to document:
Photos & Videos: Take clear images of the hazard that caused your fall—whether it’s a wet floor, spilled food, or an uneven surface.
Witness Information: If anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact details. Their statements could support your claim.
Surveillance Footage: Most grocery stores have security cameras. Request that they preserve the footage, as it may prove what caused your fall.
Your Clothing & Shoes: Keep what you were wearing in its current condition—it could serve as evidence later.
Don’t Admit Fault or Sign Anything
It’s natural to feel embarrassed after a fall, but resist the urge to apologize or downplay what happened. Anything you say could be used to argue that you were partially responsible. Also, don’t sign any documents or accept a settlement without consulting an attorney.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Handling a slip and fall case on your own can be overwhelming—especially when dealing with big grocery store chains and their insurance companies. We know their tactics, and we’ll fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Proving the Store Was Negligent
For a successful claim, we need to prove the store was negligent. This means demonstrating that:
Store employees knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition.
They failed to address the hazard in a reasonable amount of time.
Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
We use incident reports, security footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements to build a strong case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If the store was negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills – From emergency care to ongoing treatments.
Lost wages – If your injury prevents you from working.
Pain and suffering – For physical and emotional distress.
Future medical costs – If long-term care is needed.
Time Limits: How Long Do You Have to File?
In Kentucky, you have one year from the date of the fall to file a claim. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong case.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims. They may argue that your injuries aren’t severe or that you were responsible for your fall. Don’t accept a lowball offer—let us negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Preventing Future Slip and Fall Accidents
While you can’t always prevent accidents caused by store negligence, you can take precautions, such as:
Watching for wet floor signs and recently mopped areas.
Wearing shoes with good traction.
Reporting hazards like spills or broken flooring to store employees.
Let’s Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Mory & Colliersmith, PLLC, we are dedicated to holding negligent businesses accountable. Call us today for a free consultation at (502) 212-4333 or visit morycolliersmith.com to get started. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
