How to Report a Slip, Trip or Fall Accident
(Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip or fall, reporting the incident properly is one of the most important things you can do. A clear report helps create an official record of what happened — and that record can be vital evidence if you later start a slip, trip or fall injury claim.

This guide explains exactly how to report a slip, trip or fall accident, what information to include, and what to do if a business refuses to record it.

1 Report the accident immediately (if you can)

As soon as possible, tell a staff member or manager what happened. Ask them to record it in their:

  • incident log
  • accident report form
  • accident book (common in larger premises)

If you are seriously injured, get medical help first — but ask a friend or family member to report the incident for you if possible.

2 Ask for key details to be recorded

When the incident is recorded, make sure the report includes:

  • date and time of the accident
  • exact location (e.g., aisle number, entrance, stairwell, car park row)
  • what caused the accident (spill, loose mat, uneven flooring, poor lighting)
  • whether there were warning signs
  • who you reported it to (name + job title)
  • witness names (if available)
  • your injury symptoms (even if they seem minor)
Tip: If you’re not sure what caused your fall, say so — don’t guess. You can state what you observed (e.g., “floor felt wet” or “mat moved underfoot”).

3 Request a copy or reference number

Ask for:

  • a copy of the accident report, or
  • a reference number / incident ID

Some businesses won’t provide a copy, but they may give you a reference number or confirm by email that the incident has been logged.

If you can, follow up with an email (even a short one) like:

“Hi, I’m confirming that I reported a slip and fall at [location] at [time] on [date]. Please confirm that the incident has been logged.”

That creates an additional time-stamped record.

4 Take photos and video (before conditions change)

Even if the incident is logged, you should still gather your own evidence.

Take photos/video of:

  • the hazard that caused your fall
  • the surrounding area
  • warning signs (or lack of them)
  • lighting conditions
  • any cleaning equipment nearby)
  • your injuries (bruises/cuts/swelling)

If possible, photograph:

  • the same area from several angles
  • close-up and wider shots
  • any footwear you were wearing (if it may later be questioned)

5 Get witness details (even if they’re staff)

Witnesses can be:

  • customers/guests
  • other visitorsy
  • staff members who saw the hazard earlier
  • staff members who assisted you afterwards

Get

  • name
  • phone number
  • email (if possible)
  • short note on what they saw

6 Seek medical attention and tell the clinician what happened

Medical records are extremely important evidence. Whether you attend A&E or your GP, make sure the record notes:

  • you slipped/tripped/fell
  • where it happened
  • your symptoms

Even if the injury feels minor at first, symptoms can develop later (back pain, soft tissue injuries, concussion symptoms).

7 Keep a timeline of symptoms and impact

Create a simple notes log:

  • day-by-day pain levels
  • missed work days
  • help needed at home
  • medication and treatment

This can support both medical and compensation assessment.

What if the organisation refuses to record the accident?

If staff refuse:

  1. Stay calm and ask for a manager
  2. Ask again for an incident record
  3. Make your own record (write down what happened, date/time, staff names)
  4. Email the business summarising what happened
  5. Take photos/video before leaving

A refusal doesn’t automatically prevent a claim — but it makes your own evidence even more important.

Summary checklist

  • Report it and get it logged
  • Request reference number / confirmation
  • Take photos and video
  • Get witness details
  • Get medical attention
  • Keep receipts and records
  • Get an early claim assessment