What should I do after a slip and fall?

Report it immediately, photograph everything, get witness contact information, seek medical treatment with your own doctor (not just the ER), and do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. These five steps protect your rights and preserve evidence.

Can I sue for a slip and fall on ice in Iowa?

Yes. Property owners in Iowa have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises, including addressing ice and snow hazards. However, Iowa follows comparative fault rules—if you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced. Document everything and consult an attorney quickly.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall case?

You don't legally need one, but you should get one. Insurance companies have lawyers and adjusters working against you from day one. An attorney handles evidence preservation, spoliation letters for surveillance footage, negotiations, and ensures you don't accidentally damage your case.

Slip and Fall Accident? The 5 Things You Must Do in the Next 48 Hours

You're hurt. You're shaken. And the clock is ticking.

If you're reading this from a parking lot, an ER waiting room, or your couch with an ice pack—stop scrolling and do these 5 things NOW. Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget. And Iowa law doesn't wait.

THE 48-HOUR CHECKLIST: Do These in Order

1. REPORT IT AND GET THE INCIDENT REPORT NUMBER

Before you leave the scene: Find the manager, property owner, or supervisor. Tell them exactly what happened and where. Demand they create an incident report.

Get the report number. Write it down. Take a photo of their business card. If they refuse to give you a copy on the spot, that's a red flag—but don't argue. Just document that you reported it.

Why this matters: No report = no proof the fall ever happened. Insurance companies deny claims without documentation.

2. PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING BEFORE THEY CLEAN IT

Your phone is your best witness right now. Take photos of:

The exact spot where you fell
What caused it (spill, ice, uneven pavement, loose mat, poor lighting)
Your shoes and clothing
Any warning signs (or lack of them)
The surrounding area

Do this immediately. Spills get mopped. Ice melts. Mats get repositioned. Once it's gone, it's gone forever.

Pro tip: If you're too injured to do this yourself, text a friend or family member to come do it NOW.

3. GET WITNESS CONTACT INFO

Did anyone see you fall? Get their:

Full name
Phone number
Email address

Bystanders, employees, other customers—anyone. Witnesses leave. They don't come back. Get their info before they walk away.

Don't rely on the store to get witness statements. They work for the property owner, not you.

4. GO TO YOUR DOCTOR—NOT JUST THE ER

The ER patches you up. Your doctor documents your injuries for your case.

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician within 24-48 hours, even if the ER cleared you. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and back problems often show up days later.

Tell your doctor: "I fell at [location] on [date]." Get it in your medical record.

Why this matters: Gaps in medical treatment = insurance companies claiming you "weren't really hurt."

5. DO NOT GIVE A RECORDED STATEMENT TO THEIR INSURANCE

The property owner's insurance company will call you—often within 24 hours. They'll sound friendly. They'll say they "just need to get the facts."

Politely decline. Say: "I'm not giving a recorded statement until I've spoken with an attorney."

Then hang up.

Why this matters: They're trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. "I didn't see the ice" becomes "you weren't paying attention." Everything you say is recorded and used against you.

COMMERCIAL VS. RESIDENTIAL: WHAT CHANGES

Fell at a Store, Restaurant, or Business? (Commercial)

Surveillance footage exists—and it gets deleted on a schedule (often 7-30 days)
You need a spoliation letter sent immediately to preserve that footage
Multiple insurance layers may apply (property owner, tenant, maintenance company)
These cases have value—businesses carry liability coverage

Fell at a Friend's House or Rental Property? (Residential)

Homeowner's insurance is the target—not your friend personally
No surveillance footage to preserve
Claims are against the insurance policy—your friend won't pay out of pocket
Rental properties: Landlord liability depends on lease terms and who was responsible for maintenance

Bottom line: The legal strategy differs. Don't treat them the same.

IOWA LAW: THE 2-YEAR DEADLINE

Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for slip and fall claims. Miss it, and you lose your right to sue forever.

But waiting is dangerous:

Evidence disappears
Witnesses become unreachable
Surveillance footage gets deleted
Insurance companies dig in

The best cases are built in the first 48 hours.

INJURED IN IOWA? WE'RE HERE NOW.

Don't wait for the insurance company to "do the right thing." They won't. We've seen too many good people get lowballed because they waited too long or said the wrong thing.

Call us now for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Available 24/7. Iowa personal injury cases only.