Slipped on grease, soap, or oil? You are not alone. These are some of the most common causes of falls in restaurants, grocery stores, parking lots, and gas stations. Property owners must take reasonable steps to clean up spills and post warning signs. When they fail to do so, innocent people get hurt. If this happened to you, preserving your clothing, shoes, and photo evidence could make the difference in your case.
Keep Your Clothes as Evidence
Slipping and falling in a public place is painful and disorienting—but what you do next could make or break your case. Whether it was grease from a kitchen, oil from a parking lot, or soap from freshly mopped floors, the substance you slipped in matters. Even more importantly, your clothing can hold key evidence.
After a fall, many people go home and wash their clothes. That is a mistake. Your clothing and shoes may hold residue, stains, or patterns that help prove what happened. These materials can support your claim that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
How to Preserve Your Clothing
To protect the evidence, follow these simple steps:
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Do not wash or clean your clothes or shoes
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Place items in a paper bag—not plastic
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Take clear photos of the clothing before storage
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Avoid touching or brushing off the substance
Your clothing could help identify the slippery material and show how much was present. It may also indicate where and how the fall occurred.
Take Photos and Videos Right Away
If you can, document the area before leaving the scene. If you are injured and unable to do so, ask someone nearby to help. Photos and videos are powerful tools.
Be sure to capture:
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The exact area where you fell
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A close-up of the grease, soap, oil, or substance
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Your shoes and clothing after the fall
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A wide shot showing whether warning signs were posted
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Contact information for any witnesses
This documentation can support your case and help your attorney prove that the property owner was negligent.
Understanding Liability in Arizona and California
Arizona and California both require property owners to keep their premises safe for visitors. That includes mopping spills promptly, posting visible warnings, and inspecting the area regularly. If an owner knew or should have known about a slippery substance and did nothing, they may be held legally responsible.
However, proving negligence requires strong, clear evidence—which is why preserving your clothing and documenting the scene are so important.
Why Hire Fielding Law
At Fielding Law, we understand how frustrating and overwhelming a slip and fall injury can be. You are dealing with pain, medical bills, and lost time—all because someone else failed to take proper care. Our team is here to help you rise together.
We treat each case with care, professionalism, and urgency. We are not a big, cold firm. We are focused on your recovery and your future.
Call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation about your injuries. Contact Fielding Law today to speak with a slip and fall lawyer who will stand up for you.
Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.
