Slip-and-fall cases turn on evidence that disappears fast, so what you do in the first hours matters enormously.
Report the Fall Right Away
Tell the property owner, manager, or staff and ask that an incident report be created. Get a copy if you can. A documented report makes it far harder for the business to later deny the fall happened.
Capture the Hazard
Photograph the spill, ice, broken step, torn carpet, or poor lighting immediately — before it is cleaned or repaired. Note the date, time, and exact location, and get contact details for any witnesses.
Understand Oregon Premises Liability
Oregon property owners owe invitees a duty of reasonable care to discover and fix or warn of dangerous conditions. To recover, you generally must show the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act.
Mind the Deadlines
The standard two years from the date of injury under ORS 12.110 applies. If you fell on government property — a public building, park, or sidewalk maintained by a public body — the 180 days to file a formal tort claim notice against a public body under the Oregon Tort Claims Act (ORS 30.275) applies, so act quickly.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review — you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Oregon attorney.