St. Paul Slip and Fall: What to Do After an Injury
If you were hurt in a slip and fall in St. Paul, taking the right steps early can protect your health and your potential claim. Learn what to do immediately after an accident, how Minnesota law treats slip-and-fall cases, and when to contact a lawyer.
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1) Prioritize Safety and Medical Care
Your health comes first. If you are seriously injured, call 911. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor—falls can cause injuries that worsen over time. Keep all records, discharge papers, imaging results, and receipts. Follow your provider’s treatment plan and avoid gaps in care.
2) Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, manager, or employee on duty and ask for an incident report to be created. Request a copy if possible, or note the report number and the names of the people you spoke with. If the fall occurred on public property in St. Paul, document which department maintains the area.
3) Document the Scene
Take clear photos and video of the hazard, the surrounding area, lighting conditions, weather, footwear, and any warning signs—or the lack of them. Capture multiple angles and distances. Note any visible cameras and politely ask management in writing to preserve surveillance footage. Record the date and time.
4) Identify Witnesses
Collect names, phone numbers, and brief statements from anyone who saw the fall or the hazard beforehand. Independent witnesses can be crucial if liability is disputed.
5) Preserve Evidence
Keep the clothing and shoes you wore in their post-incident condition. Do not wash or repair them. Save receipts showing your presence (parking, purchases) and keep a pain and activity journal documenting symptoms, missed work, and daily limitations.
6) Be Careful With Statements and Forms
Stick to facts when speaking with property representatives or insurers and avoid speculating about fault. Before giving a recorded statement or signing medical releases, consider talking with a Minnesota personal injury attorney.
7) Understand How Liability Works in Minnesota
Property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to keep premises safe, but they are not automatically liable for every fall. Minnesota follows comparative fault principles—your recovery can be reduced or barred depending on your share of fault. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01.
Key issues often include how long the hazard existed, whether the owner knew or should have known about it, whether reasonable inspections occurred, whether warnings were posted, and whether your own conduct contributed to the incident.
8) Common Slip-and-Fall Hazards in St. Paul
Typical hazards include snow and ice accumulations, tracked-in moisture, spills, uneven flooring, loose mats, poor lighting, hidden drop-offs, code violations, and construction debris. For snow and ice, conditions can change quickly—document weather and maintenance efforts.
9) Claims Against Government Entities
If the fall occurred on public property or a government-maintained area, special notice rules and liability limits may apply. Municipal claims are governed by Minn. Stat. ch. 466, and claims against the State are governed by the Minnesota Tort Claims Act (Minn. Stat. § 3.736). These requirements can be strict and time-sensitive—consult counsel promptly to preserve your rights.
10) Insurance and Damages
Slip-and-fall claims often involve commercial general liability or homeowners insurance. Potential damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, replacement services, and pain and suffering. Keep organized records to support your claim.
11) Deadlines Can Affect Your Case
Legal deadlines vary based on the facts, the type of defendant, and other factors. Some government-related claims require earlier notice than others. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing important timelines.
12) How a Minnesota Attorney Can Help
An experienced St. Paul injury lawyer can investigate the hazard, secure video before it is overwritten, identify responsible parties, work with medical providers, calculate damages, handle insurer communications, and file suit if needed. Many firms offer free consultations and may work on a contingency fee basis.
Quick Tips
- Write a brief timeline within 24 hours while details are fresh.
- Send a written preservation request for surveillance video immediately.
- Use one pharmacy and keep all medication printouts together.
- Decline broad medical authorizations until you understand their scope.
What To Bring to a Consultation
- Medical records and bills
- Photos and video of the scene and your injuries
- Witness names and contact information
- Incident or police reports
- Correspondence from insurers or property owners
- Proof of lost income
- Your health insurance card
- A simple timeline of events
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case if there was a warning sign?
It depends. A sign can be relevant, but it does not automatically resolve liability if the precautions were inadequate under the circumstances.
What if I am partly at fault?
Your recovery may be reduced by your share of responsibility under Minnesota’s comparative fault rules. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01.
Should I post about my fall on social media?
It is best to avoid posting. Public posts can be used to challenge your account of the accident or your injuries.
Next Steps
If you were injured in a St. Paul slip and fall, act quickly to protect your claim. Get medical care, document everything, and consider contacting a Minnesota personal injury lawyer for a case review.
Contact us to talk about your options.
