Slipped and Fell in a Store in Alberta? Here’s What You Need to Know

During our lifetime, we all have falls. Most are minor and result in no real injuries. Unfortunately, for some people, a slip and fall inside a store can have serious, life-changing consequences. One moment you’re simply walking down the aisle doing your regular shopping, and the next you’re on the floor, wondering what happened and whether you’re okay.

If this happened to you in Alberta — whether it was at a grocery store, big-box retailer, hardware store, or any other commercial premises — you’re likely asking yourself some important questions: Do I have a case? What should I do now? And who is responsible?

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, our Calgary slip and fall lawyers explain these situations the same way we would during a free initial consultation in our office: in clear, straightforward language, focusing on the practical steps that matter.

The Law That Applies to Slip and Fall Accidents in Alberta Stores

Slip-and-fall accidents inside stores in Alberta are governed by the Occupiers’ Liability Act. In simple terms, the law says that the store (or the company operating the premises) has a duty to take reasonable steps to make sure the place is reasonably safe for customers like you.

For example, if there is a spill on the floor, the store cannot simply ignore it for an extended period while customers continue to walk through the area. They need to clean it up promptly or place clear warning signs and barriers so people can see the hazard and walk around it safely. The same principle applies to curled-up mats, loose floor tiles, poor lighting, or obstacles left in walkways.

The central question in these cases is whether the store took reasonable steps to prevent the accident. If they did not, and that failure caused your injuries, then the store (or more often, their insurance company) may be deemed negligent and thus responsible for the losses you have suffered.

Common Causes of Store Slip and Falls We See in Alberta

From the cases we handle at Preszler Injury Lawyers, the most frequent hazards include:

• Wet or slippery floors caused by spilled liquids, tracked-in snow or rain, or freshly mopped areas that were not properly marked.
• Inadequate or missing “wet floor” signs.
• Uneven surfaces, torn carpets, curled mats, or loose tiles.
• Items that have fallen off shelves and been left on the floor.
• Obstacles such as boxes, pallets, or displays blocking normal walkways
• And more

If any of these situations sound familiar from your fall, it is worth reviewing your case more closely. A legal professional can help evaluate your situation to determine whether negligence on the part of the store caused your injuries.

The Most Important Steps to Take Right After Your Fall in a Store

What you do in the first few hours and days after a slip and fall accident can make a significant difference in your ability to recover fair compensation. Here are the key actions we recommend:

1. Report the incident to store management right away. Speak to the manager on duty, describe exactly what happened, and ask them to complete an official incident report. Request a copy of the report before you leave.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel you are “okay” or it is only bruising, see your doctor, visit a walk-in clinic, or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or shoulder damage, may not fully show themselves for days or weeks.
3. Take photographs and videos as soon as you can. Use your phone to document the exact location of the fall, the hazard that caused it, any warning signs (or the lack of them), and the general condition of the area.
4. Obtain witness contact information. If anyone saw your fall or had noticed the dangerous condition earlier, politely ask for their name and phone number.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Slip and Fall

If the store failed to meet its duty under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering 
• Past and future lost income if you had to miss work
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses (including physiotherapy, chiropractic, medication, etc.)
• The cost of help with household chores you could no longer perform
• Other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury

Every case is different. The amount of compensation depends on the seriousness of your injuries, your age, your occupation, and how the fall has affected your daily life.

How Much Time Do You Have to Act?

In Alberta, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to start a formal claim. This applies to most slip and fall cases that happen inside stores or on commercial premises. Although that may seem like plenty of time, important evidence (such as security camera footage) is often deleted by stores after just 30 to 90 days. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better we can protect your rights and preserve the evidence you need.

Should You Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer?

You do not have to decide anything today. But here is what we tell every person who contacts us: there is no downside to having a free, no-obligation conversation with an experienced slip and fall lawyer.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we handle cases on a contingency basis — you pay no legal fees upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

During that first call, we will listen carefully to your story, review any photos or documents you have, and give you a clear, realistic assessment of your options.

Slipping and falling in a store can shake your confidence and disrupt your life in ways you never expected. You do not have to figure this out on your own. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a store slip and fall in Alberta, please call us today at 1-888-494-7191 to schedule a free initial consultation. We are here to help.

We’re here to help.