Short Answer

In North Carolina, you should promptly ask the apartment complex for a copy of the incident report, the name and contact information of the property manager (and any management company contact handling claims), and confirmation that any video and maintenance/cleaning records for the area will be preserved. You can also request the property’s liability insurance information, but the complex may choose to route that through its insurer or claims administrator rather than handing you a policy. The goal is to lock down documentation and evidence early, because slip-and-fall cases often turn on what the property knew, what warnings were provided, and whether the hazard was addressed reasonably.

Understanding the Problem

If you slipped in a North Carolina apartment complex common area and already filled out an incident report with the leasing office, you may be wondering what else you can (and should) ask the complex for now—such as a copy of that report, insurance information, or other records—so you can protect your claim and avoid missing key timing issues.

Apply the Law

Most apartment slip-and-fall claims in North Carolina are handled as negligence/premises-liability cases. In plain terms, you generally need to show (1) a dangerous condition existed (like a wet floor), (2) the property had a reasonable opportunity to discover and fix it or warn about it, and (3) the condition caused your injury. Evidence matters because the property may dispute whether the floor was wet, whether warning signs were out, how long the condition existed, or whether you could have avoided it. North Carolina also follows a strict contributory negligence rule in many negligence cases, meaning the property may argue you were even slightly at fault (for example, not watching where you were walking), so preserving objective evidence early can be critical.

Key Requirements

• Document what happened: Get and keep records that show where you fell, what made it unsafe (wet floor, lack of warning signs), and when it happened.
• Identify who is responsible: Confirm the legal/operational party in control of the common area (often the owner and/or property manager) and who handles claims for them.
• Preserve time-sensitive evidence: Request preservation of surveillance video, cleaning logs, work orders, and inspection records before they are overwritten or discarded.
• Track medical proof: Maintain urgent care records, imaging results, and follow-up recommendations that connect the fall to your knee symptoms.
• Watch the lawsuit deadline: Most personal injury claims in North Carolina must be filed within three years, but you should not wait to gather evidence.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three years) - Sets a three-year limitations period for many negligence/personal injury claims.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-299.1 (Contributory negligence as a defense in certain claims) - Reflects North Carolina’s contributory negligence concept (the defense can bar recovery in many negligence cases).

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you report that you slipped on a wet floor in a common area and believe it may have been recently mopped without warning signs, the key issues are whether the complex created the hazard (mopping), whether it warned residents (signs/cones), and what its staff did before and after the fall (cleaning logs, work orders, and incident documentation). Since you already completed an incident report and sought urgent care with imaging and a brace/medication, you have an early paper trail that can help connect the fall to your knee injury. The next step is to secure objective evidence—especially video and cleaning/inspection records—before it disappears.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (the injured resident/visitor) makes the request. Where: Send it to the property manager/leasing office in North Carolina (and any corporate/claims contact they provide). What: A dated written request (email is fine) asking for (a) a copy of your incident report and any attachments, (b) the claim contact/insurer or claims administrator contact information, and (c) preservation of evidence (video, cleaning logs, work orders, inspection records, and any photos taken by staff). When: As soon as possible—ideally within days—because surveillance systems often overwrite footage on a short cycle.
2. Next step: Ask for written confirmation of what evidence exists (for example, whether cameras cover the area) and the time window they will preserve. If they will not provide documents voluntarily, an attorney can often pursue them later through a formal claim process or, if needed, through litigation discovery.
3. Final step: Keep your own file: the incident report copy (if provided), names of staff you spoke with, photos of the area (if you have them), your medical records, and a simple timeline. This helps your medical providers and, if necessary, your attorney present a clear account.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• They may not hand over “insurance info” on request: Many properties will not provide policy documents to an injured person informally. A practical alternative is to request the correct claims contact (insurer/adjuster/claims administrator) and a claim number once opened.
• Signing broad releases too early: Be cautious about signing medical authorizations or settlement paperwork from a claims adjuster before you understand your diagnosis and follow-up needs, especially with a prior knee issue.
• Contributory negligence arguments: The property may claim you should have seen the wet floor or avoided it. Preserving evidence about the lack (or placement) of warning signs and the condition of the floor can matter.
• Relying only on the incident report: Incident reports can be incomplete or written from the property’s perspective. Your own written account and medical documentation help fill gaps.
• Waiting on video: Even if the complex says it will “look into it,” footage can be overwritten quickly. A written preservation request creates a clearer record of what you asked them to keep.

Conclusion

After a slip and fall in a North Carolina apartment complex, you should ask for a copy of the incident report, the correct claims/insurance contact (even if they won’t provide the full policy), and written confirmation that key evidence—especially surveillance video and cleaning/maintenance records—will be preserved. These items help prove whether the complex created the hazard or failed to warn and help address contributory negligence arguments. Next step: send a written preservation and records request to the property manager as soon as possible, and keep the three-year filing deadline in mind.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a slip and fall in an apartment complex common area and need help requesting records, preserving video, and understanding deadlines, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.