As your workers’ comp insurance partner, we’re committed to protecting your business operations and your bottom line. One area of concern is fraudulent slip-and-fall claims, which cost businesses far too much time, energy, and money. These staged or exaggerated accidents often target busy businesses such as retail shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and offices open to the public.

What Does Slip-and-Fall Fraud Look Like?

While legitimate slip/trip and fall accidents do occur and should be taken seriously, fraudsters may intentionally fake or exaggerate injuries to collect insurance money or pursue legal settlements. These incidents are often carefully staged — sometimes even caught on video showing a person pouring water or intentionally tripping over nothing before calling attention to their “accident.”

Fraudulent claims can be hard to spot. Some common red flags include:

  • No witnesses and an uncooperative or evasive claimant
  • Inconsistent statements about how the fall occurred
  • Delayed reporting of the incident
  • The person refuses medical help on site but later claims serious injuries
  • Prior history of similar claims at other businesses

What Can You Do to Protect Your Business?

Prevention and preparation are your best defenses. Here are the actions you can take today:

  1. Maintain a clean and hazard-free environment. Keep walkways clear, floors dry, and all areas well-lit. Promptly clean up spills and document when and how you did so.  Consider a Sweep Log.
  2. Install visible surveillance cameras. They help deter fraud and provide evidence if an incident occurs.
  3. Conduct regular safety inspections. Keep a log of these checks, including photos if possible.
  4. Train staff to respond appropriately. Employees should know how to document and report incidents quickly and professionally.
  5. Post appropriate signage. Use “wet floor” or “caution” signs when necessary and make sure they’re clearly visible.

What Should You Do If a Fall Happens?

Even if you suspect the incident might be fraudulent, respond with professionalism and care. Here’s what to do:

  • Document everything immediately. Take photos of the scene, record weather conditions, and look for any nearby security footage.
  • Collect witness information. Get names and contact info of anyone who saw the incident.
  • Have the person complete an incident report. Use a standardized form to capture the details in writing.
  • Preserve video footage. Back up all security camera recordings around the time of the incident.
  • Report the incident to your insurance carrier right away. Witness statements, evidence collection, and investigative steps will begin evaluating the claim — and detecting potential fraud.

We’re Here to Help

Fraudulent claims affect us all by driving up insurance costs and threatening the financial stability of honest businesses. If you ever feel uncertain about a claim or suspect that an incident may not be legitimate, contact us immediately. Our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Claims Examiners will work closely with you to evaluate suspicious claims.

By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you help create a safer environment — and protect your business from unnecessary loss.  Current and future customers are encouraged to visit our website to find additional resources you can use to fight fraud.