What to Do After You Get Hurt at a Grocery Store?

Most people don’t walk into a grocery store thinking about legal rights or injury claims. It’s a routine part of daily life - grabbing a few essentials and heading back home. But when that routine is interrupted by an injury, everything changes.

Suddenly, you’re dealing with pain, doctor visits, time off work, and bills you didn’t expect. And in the middle of it all, there’s one big question: Was the store responsible? That’s why what you do next matters. While you’re focusing on recovery, the store and its insurance company are already taking steps to protect themselves. The right legal support can make sure your side is represented, too.

At Arshakyan Law, we guide you through each step of the legal process. Speak to our experienced Los Angeles slip and fall injury attorneys today.

Common Accidents at Grocery Stores

• Slipping on spilled liquids or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
• Tripping over stray boxes, shopping baskets, or restocking equipment
• Falling due to uneven or cracked floor tiles
• Injuries from falling items on overstocked or poorly stacked shelves
• Accidents in the parking lot or store entry due to uneven pavement or poor lighting

In California, grocery stores have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. That means store owners and employees need to:

• Regularly inspect the premises for hazards
• Clean up spills promptly
• Warn customers of known dangers
• Fix broken fixtures, flooring, and lighting

If they fail to do any of these things and that failure causes you to get hurt, they may be held financially responsible.

What to Do Immediately After the Injury?

Don’t Panic – Take a Moment to Assess What’s Happening

It’s natural to feel embarrassed or shaken. You might be tempted to get up quickly or pretend you’re okay. Don’t. Take a breath and check how you’re feeling. If you're seriously hurt, don’t try to move. Let someone come to you.

Call for Help

Let someone know what just happened. Whether it’s another customer or a store employee, ask them to call a manager right away. The store needs to be made aware that you were injured, and it needs to be on record.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel like you can walk it off, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions, sprains, or internal injuries, don’t show obvious symptoms right away. A medical visit creates a clear record of your injury and links it directly to the accident. If the injury is serious, don’t hesitate to call 911. Emergency responders will also file a report, which can support your case later on.

Document the Scene

If you’re able to use your phone, start documenting. Take pictures or videos of:

• What caused your injury (a spill, broken tile, missing handrail, etc.)
• Your injuries, such as bruises, swelling, cuts
• The surrounding area, including lighting and signage
• Any warning signs? If none were there, that’s important to capture.

If you can’t do it yourself, ask someone nearby to take photos and send them to you.

File an Incident Report with the Store

Ask to speak with the store manager and have them document what happened. Request a written incident report, or at least take a photo of what they fill out. Don’t downplay your injury or speculate on what caused it; just stick to the facts. This isn’t just a formality. That report becomes part of the official record.

Get Witness Information

If anyone saw you fall or witnessed what led to the accident, speak to them before they leave. Ask for their name and contact number. If the case goes to trial or the insurance company challenges your version of events, witness testimony can help back you up.

Keep Your Clothing and Shoes

This might sound odd, but don’t wash or throw away the clothes and shoes you were wearing. If your shoes have liquid residue or torn material, they could serve as physical evidence that supports your story. Your lawyer can later use them to show how the accident happened or refute claims that your footwear caused the fall.

Avoid Giving a Statement to the Store’s Insurance Adjuster

The store’s insurer might call you within hours or days of the accident. They may sound friendly and ask how you’re doing. But make no mistake, they’re gathering information that could be used to deny or minimize your claim. Do not give a recorded statement.