Last Updated September 19, 2026
Short answer
You may have a claim if a property owner or occupier failed to use reasonable care and that failure caused your fall. Wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting, and unmarked hazards are common fact patterns. Falling is not enough by itself. The owner’s knowledge of the hazard often matters.
Premises-liability claims are highly fact-specific. Stores, apartment properties, private homes, and other locations can involve different duties and evidence. Report the incident, seek appropriate medical care, and photograph the condition if you can do so safely. Our evidence guide explains other records that may be useful.
How Knowledge of the Hazard Can Matter
Depending on the applicable law and facts, a premises claim may examine whether the owner or occupier created the hazard, knew about it, or should have discovered it through reasonable care. Evidence about how long a condition existed, prior complaints, inspection practices, warning signs, and surveillance video may become important.
How a claim often moves
- 1
Get medical care and tell the provider how you fell.
- 2
Report the incident to the property in writing if you can.
- 3
Keep the shoes you were wearing.
- 4
Speak with an attorney before you give a recorded statement to the store’s insurer.
How Brock & Stout can help
We can request available incident reports and video, investigate the condition that caused the fall, gather witness and medical records, and evaluate the claim under the applicable state law. Call or request a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Personal injury claims are subject to filing deadlines, and the deadline that applies can depend on the facts of the case. Different notice requirements may apply depending on who is involved. Do not use this website to calculate a filing deadline. Speak with an attorney promptly.
Related resources
- Alabama Personal Injury Law — Alabama Personal Injury Law
Alabama personal injury claims are generally governed by Alabama law. In many ordinary-negligence cases, contributory negligence can bar recovery if the injured person is found to have contributed to the injury. Georgia uses a different fault system.
- Broken Bones and Fractures After an Accident — Broken Bones and Fractures After an Accident
A fracture is a break in a bone. Treatment may range from immobilization to reduction or surgery depending on the type and severity of the fracture. Imaging, treatment records, work restrictions, and rehabilitation records can help document the injury and recovery.
- Evidence in Injury Claims — Evidence in Injury Claims
Evidence is how you show what happened and how you were hurt. Photos, reports, medical records, and witnesses are the usual core. Some evidence, like store video, is overwritten on a short cycle. Ask for it promptly.
- Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident — Traumatic Brain Injury After an Accident
A traumatic brain injury affects how the brain works and can result from a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury. Symptoms and severity vary, and medical professionals are responsible for diagnosis and treatment. In a personal injury claim, medical records and evidence of changes in work, school, relationships, or daily functioning may become important.
Talk with a personal injury attorney
We can review the crash or injury, insurance, and medical records and explain what a claim may involve in Alabama or Georgia.
Prefer to send us your information? Request a case evaluation.
This page is general educational information about personal injury claims as of the date shown. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee a result. Facts, insurance coverage, and state law vary. Do not use this website to calculate a filing deadline. Personal Injury Knowledge Center
