A slip, trip, or fall can happen in an instant—at a grocery store, restaurant, parking lot, or even on a damaged public sidewalk. And while your first instinct might be to brush it off or apologize, those quick, emotional reactions can seriously damage your ability to file a successful injury claim later.

At Rodzik Law Group, we’ve seen countless cases in Wilmington where the words spoken in the first few minutes after a fall were used to downplay the victim’s injuries or shift the blame onto them. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away or think the situation isn’t serious, what you say matters.

Below, we break down three things you should never say after a slip, trip, or fall—and why choosing your words wisely can protect your health, your rights, and your claim.

1. “I’m fine!” or “I’m not hurt.”

After a fall, adrenaline kicks in. Embarrassment kicks in. Sometimes shock kicks in. All three can trick you into believing you’re uninjured—or at least make you want to downplay how you feel. But telling a property owner, manager, or bystander that you’re “okay” can immediately damage your claim.

Why this hurts your case:

• Injuries don’t always show up right away. Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and even fractures can take hours—or days—to surface.
• Insurance companies use your words against you. If you later file a claim, they’ll point to your statement as proof you weren’t hurt.
• It creates written evidence against you. If your comment ends up in an incident report, surveillance audio, or witness statement, it becomes part of the official record.

Instead, say this:

“I need a moment to assess how I’m feeling,” or “I’d like to get checked out by a medical professional.”

You’re not exaggerating—you’re simply giving yourself the space and safety you deserve.

2. “It was my fault,” or “I should’ve been paying more attention.”

Many people instinctively feel the need to apologize—even when they’ve done nothing wrong. But in a slip-and-fall situation, apologizing or accepting blame is not only unnecessary; it can sabotage your case.

Why this hurts your case:

• Falls are rarely that simple. You may have slipped because the floor was wet, the lighting was poor, the walkway was uneven, or warning signs were missing.
• Apologies are often interpreted as admissions of fault.
• You don’t yet know what caused your fall. Until the area is inspected or photographed, you may not realize the hazard was hidden or preventable.

Even saying something mild like “I wasn’t watching where I was going” can shift responsibility away from the negligent party.

Instead, do this:

• Focus on documenting the scene.
• Ask for an incident report.
• Take photos before the area is cleaned up or fixed.

You’re not blaming anyone—you’re simply preserving the truth.

3. “I don’t need to file a report.” or “Let’s not make this a big deal.”

This is another common reaction. Many people don’t want to cause trouble, inconvenience an employee, or draw attention to themselves. But skipping the incident report is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after a fall.

Why this hurts your case:

• No report means no proof. Without a written record, the property owner can later deny that the fall even happened on their premises.
• Reports preserve crucial details. The conditions of the floor, lighting, signage, and weather can all be documented before anything changes.
• It shows you took the situation seriously. This strengthens your credibility if injuries worsen over time.

Instead, say this:

“I’d like to file an incident report, and I’d like a copy for my records.”

This is standard, reasonable, and important—especially if you end up needing medical care.

What You Should Do After a Slip, Trip, or Fall

Once you avoid the statements above, you can focus on protecting your health and your legal rights. After a fall in Wilmington, make sure to:

• Take photos or videos of the hazard that caused your fall.
• Get the names and contact info of witnesses.
• Request that the business preserve surveillance footage.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Call an experienced Wilmington slip-and-fall lawyer.

A fall might seem minor in the moment, but the consequences can follow you for months—or even years. When your health, time off work, and medical bills are on the line, the right legal guidance matters.

Injured in a Slip, Trip, or Fall in Wilmington? Rodzik Law Group Can Help.

If you’ve been hurt—even if you’re not sure how severe the injury is—get trusted legal advice before making any statements to the property owner or insurance company. At Rodzik Law Group, we’ve helped countless Wilmington residents get the compensation they deserve after unexpected falls.

Reach out today and learn what steps to take next to protect your claim—and your future.