Slip-and-fall accidents are, first and foremost, embarrassing and painful. But beyond those immediate effects, they can also be legally complicated affairs when they happen on public property, such as a sidewalk, a government building, or a city park.

Knowing what to do in the moments and days after the accident is crucial to protecting your rights and building a strong compensation claim.

Learn how premises liability law applies to public spaces in Alabama, what steps to take immediately after a fall, and how our Alabama slip-and-fall accident attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your injuries. 

Understanding Premises Liability on Public Property

In Alabama, property owners, including government entities, are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors. This legal principle is known as premises liability. If a hazardous condition, such as a cracked sidewalk, wet floor, or broken stairway, causes you to fall and get injured, the party responsible for maintaining that property may be liable for your damages.

However, when the property is publicly owned by a city, county, or state agency, the rules for filing a claim are stricter. These entities often have governmental immunity protections and require strict adherence to legal procedures. That’s why taking the proper steps immediately after your accident is crucial.

What to Do Immediately After a Slip-and-Fall on Public Property

If you’ve been injured in a public place, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and bolster your legal claim.

Get Medical Attention Right Away

Your health is the priority. If you’re seriously injured, call 911 or have someone do it for you. Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, may not show symptoms immediately. Early medical documentation is essential to support your claim.

Report the Incident

Make sure the fall is reported to the appropriate public authority or agency. If you slip in a government building, notify the staff or the on-site manager. Call the city’s public works department or local municipality if it happened on a city sidewalk or park. Request a copy of any written report that’s been filed.

Document and Preserve Evidence

Photos, witness statements, and official reports are crucial in proving your claim, especially on public property, where hazards may be cleaned up quickly after an incident.

To protect your case:

• Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall (e.g., a wet floor, cracked sidewalk, broken step), your injuries, and any damaged property like torn clothing or broken glasses.
• Collect witness information from anyone who saw the fall or its aftermath. Their statements can support your version of events.
• Request copies of any incident reports filed with city officials, building managers, or park staff.
• Keep recordsof all medical treatment, expenses, and correspondence related to the injury.
• Create a written timeline of what happened, from when you fell to when and how you reported it, including how the injury impacted your daily life.

The more evidence you gather and preserve, the stronger your case will be if you decide to seek compensation.

Suing Government Entities in Alabama Is Complex

Unlike claims against private businesses, those involving public property come with tighter deadlines and extra red tape.

In Alabama, you must file a formal “notice of claim” or “intent to file” with the appropriate government agency before you can sue. For claims against state government entities, this process typically goes through the Alabama Board of Adjustment.

This notice typically must be filed within six months of the incident, and sometimes even sooner, depending on the municipality. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are. That’s why having an attorney on your side is critical.

Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

Managing a slip-and-fall claim on public property isn’t something you want to handle alone. Governmental entities often have legal teams trained to deny or minimize injury claims.

At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our Alabama slip-and-fall accident attorneys have the experience and resources needed to take on government agencies and fight for full compensation on your behalf. We’ll investigate the circumstances that led to your fall, gather evidence, handle communications with the appropriate agencies, and ensure all deadlines are met.

Most importantly, we help you get fair compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs

Contact The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered a slip-and-fall injury on public property in Alabama, don’t wait. Every hour counts when evidence needs to be preserved and legal deadlines are closing in.

Contact The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. Our skilled team of Alabama slip-and-fall accident attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next steps.