What Happens if You Slip and Fall in a Store in Oklahoma?

You’re at the store, picking up a few things, when suddenly—your foot slips, your balance goes, and you find yourself on the floor. In those first moments, you might feel embarrassed, maybe even frustrated.

But as the pain sets in, bigger questions start running through your mind: Do I have a case? Who’s responsible for this? How will I cover my medical bills? 

Let’s walk through what you need to know to protect your legal rights and secure the compensation you need.

Premises Liability and Your Legal Rights

If you’re injured in a store, you might assume the business will take care of things. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple. In Oklahoma, businesses and property owners have a duty of care to keep their premises safe.

That means they must take reasonable steps to prevent slip and fall accidents, including:

• Cleaning up spills promptly
• Fixing broken flooring or uneven surfaces
• Maintaining proper lighting
• Posting warning signs for wet or slippery areas
• Training employees to identify and address hazards

If a store failed to live up to these responsibilities and you got hurt, they may be held liable under premises liability law. But proving liability isn’t always straightforward, and that’s where working with an experienced personal injury attorney makes a difference.

What You Need to Prove in a Slip and Fall Case

Winning a personal injury claim isn’t just about proving you got hurt—it’s about proving negligence. That means showing:

1. A Dangerous Condition Existed – There was something unsafe, like a wet floor, loose carpeting, or poor lighting.
2. The Store Knew (or Should Have Known) About It – A mess left unattended for hours? That’s a problem.
3. They Failed to Act – No cleanup, no warning signs, no repairs.
4. Your Injury Was a Direct Result – Your injury occurred because of the hazard.

For example, if you tripped over an uneven floor in a retail establishment and no warning signs were posted, that could be proof of negligence. A personal injury attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.

How Serious Is Your Injury?

Not every trip and fall leads to a major injury, but many do. Some common slip-and-fall injuries include:

• Sprains and strains – Particularly in ankles and wrists
• Soft tissue injuries – Bruises, contusions, torn ligaments
• Fractures – Wrists, hips, and arms often take the brunt of a fall
• Head injuries – Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal injuries – Which can cause chronic pain or mobility issues

The severity of your injuries will impact your potential claim for compensation. Some injuries take time to fully manifest, making early medical documentation crucial. If a dangerous condition at a store caused your injuries, you may be able to file for compensation.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

Oklahoma law can be very complex on this topic. If a judge decides the hazard was “open and obvious”, meaning a reasonable person would have seen the hazard and avoided it, the law may bar a claim entirely.

However, in other circumstances, Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you were partly responsible (maybe you were looking at your phone), you might still have a claim—as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation for an injury will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies or the business that caused your injuries will often try to take your statement immediately after the accident to try and establish the hazard was open and obvious. That’s why working with an experienced slip and fall attorney is crucial—to help prove that someone else’s negligence played the biggest role in your accident.

How Much Compensation Can You Get?

If your slip and fall claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills – Covering treatments, therapy, and future medical costs
• Lost wages – If your injury occurred at a store and you had to miss work
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for emotional and physical distress
• Disability or long-term care – If your injuries are severe
• Out-of-pocket expenses – Transportation to medical visits, home care needs, or necessary accommodations

A fall attorney with 70 years of experience handling premises liability cases can help determine how much compensation you’re entitled to and ensure you don’t settle for less.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

Your actions after a slip and fall accident can make or break your case. Here’s what to do:

1. Report It Immediately

Tell the store manager, ensure they document the incident, and request a copy of the report. If they refuse, make your own written record of the event.

2. Take Photos & Videos

Capture the dangerous condition—whether it’s a wet floor, cluttered aisle, or poor lighting. This evidence can be key in proving negligence.

3. Get Witness Info

If others saw what happened, their statements could strengthen your personal injury claim. Witness testimony can provide an unbiased account of the store’s responsibility.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think you’re okay, injuries (especially soft tissue or head injuries) can take time to show up. Keep all medical records and follow through with treatment plans.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

A Tulsa personal injury lawyer can help hold the property owner responsible for your injuries, deal with the insurance company, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Many injury victims make the mistake of accepting an early settlement offer that doesn’t cover their full expenses—an attorney ensures this doesn’t happen to you.

Why Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Matters

Insurance companies don’t make things easy. They might downplay your injuries, delay your claim, or even deny responsibility. That’s where an experienced slip and fall attorney makes all the difference. They can:

• Prove liability – Showing that the owner’s negligence caused your fall
• Negotiate with insurance companies – To prevent lowball settlement offers
• Ensure you get fair compensation – Covering your medical bills, lost wages, and more

Having legal representation means you can focus on your recovery while professionals handle the complexities of your personal injury claim.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, time matters. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.

Don’t face insurance companies alone. Contact 222 Injury Lawyers, PLLC in Tulsa today to discuss your options, protect your legal rights, and start working toward the compensation you need to move forward.