Slip & Fall In a Store?

A slip and fall in a store can happen in seconds—but the consequences can last for months or even years. Wet floors, spilled products, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and neglected maintenance regularly cause serious injuries in grocery stores, big-box retailers, malls, pharmacies, and small shops.

If you fall inside a store, what you do next can significantly impact both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Store owners and their insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves. Knowing the right steps to take helps protect you.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we help slip and fall victims across Connecticut and Massachusetts hold negligent retailers accountable and pursue the full compensation they deserve.

Why Slip and Fall Accidents in Stores Are So Serious

Retail stores owe customers a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail, customers can suffer severe injuries, including:

• Broken bones

• Head injuries and concussions

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Back and spinal injuries

• Torn ligaments or soft-tissue damage

• Long-term mobility issues

Even a “minor” fall can lead to chronic pain, missed work, mounting medical bills, and lasting disability.

Step-by-Step: What To Do After a Slip and Fall in a Store

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health comes first. If you are injured:

• Ask for medical help right away

• Call 911 if injuries appear serious

• Seek medical care even if symptoms seem mild

Many slip and fall injuries—especially head, neck, and spinal injuries—do not show symptoms immediately. Medical records also create critical documentation for your claim.

2. Report the Fall to Store Management

Notify a manager or supervisor immediately and ask them to:

• Create an incident report

• Record the date, time, and location of the fall

• Note what caused the fall (wet floor, spill, debris, etc.)

Important:

• Stick to the facts

• Do NOT accept blame

• Do NOT speculate about what happened

Ask for a copy of the report if possible.

3. Document the Scene Before It Changes

Stores often clean hazards quickly after an accident. If you can safely do so:

• Take photos or videos of the hazard

• Capture the surrounding area

• Photograph warning signs—or the lack of them

• Take pictures of your injuries

If someone is with you, ask them to help document the scene.

4. Preserve Physical Evidence

What you were wearing can matter.

• Keep the shoes you wore

• Preserve clothing worn during the fall

• Do not wash or alter them

These items may later help prove the condition of the floor or surface.

5. Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw your fall:

• Get names and contact information

• Ask what they observed

Independent witnesses can strongly support your claim, especially if the store disputes what happened.

6. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance

Store insurance companies often contact victims quickly. They may ask for:

• A recorded statement

• A written description of the incident

• A quick settlement

Do not agree to any of these without speaking to a lawyer first.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims and may use your words against you later.

7. Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Before Accepting Any Offer

Slip and fall cases involve premises liability law, which can be complex. Stores frequently argue:

• The hazard didn’t exist long enough

• You weren’t paying attention

• The danger was “open and obvious”

An experienced slip and fall attorney can:

• Investigate the store’s maintenance practices

• Obtain surveillance footage

• Identify prior complaints or violations

• Prove the store had notice of the hazard

• Handle all insurance communications

Who Is Liable After a Slip and Fall in a Store?

Liability often falls on:

• The store owner

• A property management company

• A maintenance or cleaning contractor

Under Connecticut and Massachusetts premises liability law, stores must inspect, repair, and warn of hazards within a reasonable time. Failure to do so can make them legally responsible for your injuries.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Slip and fall victims may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills

• Hospital stays and surgery

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Lost wages

• Reduced earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Permanent disability or impairment

Our attorneys pursue full and fair compensation, not quick settlements that benefit insurers.

Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers?

Injured clients trust our firm because we offer:

• 140+ years of combined personal injury experience

• Over $500 million recovered for clients

• Proven success against large retailers and insurers

• Aggressive investigation and evidence preservation

• Trial-ready representation

• No fee unless we win

We understand how retail slip and fall cases are defended—and how to beat those defenses.

Get Help After a Slip and Fall in a Store

If you were injured in a grocery store, retail shop, mall, or big-box store, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

While we can’t undo the fall, we can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call today for a free consultation