Table of Contents
Whenever a slip and fall accident occurs on unsafe public property, it’s your right to seek the compensation you deserve. The process begins with gathering supporting evidence to build a strong case. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will analyze the evidence and use it to prove liability. Here are four types of supporting evidence lawyers use in slip and fall cases:
1. Photo and Video Evidence
Spills in a grocery store or ice on public sidewalks are among the causes of slip and fall accidents. If you slip and fall due to water, ice, or debris in public spaces, take numerous photos and videos of the scene. You’ll need to capture several angles of the location and your injury to help your lawyer build a strong case. Take the photos and videos right after the incident before someone cleans the spills, removes the debris, or the sun melts the ice.
Surveillance footage is another significant piece of evidence your slip and fall lawyer uses to prove liability. Request access to the video footage from the property owner or nearby businesses’ cameras that may have captured the accident. If the business or entity fails to hand over the video, your lawyer will help you get it.
2. Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses are another key resource for gathering supporting evidence in your slip and fall case. Chances are that a few people witnessed your accident, especially if it occurred in public spaces. Talk to several witnesses and gather their full names, contact information, and written or recorded statements. Get witness statements early as human memory tends to fade quickly.
Your slip and fall lawyer will follow up with eyewitnesses to learn more about the incident and solidify your claim. Eyewitness testimonies have a great impact when it comes to proving liability in a court of law. They make the evidence in your case more reliable as it’s easier to get first-hand information from someone present during the incident.
3. Supporting Documents
Whether you have signs of physical injury or not, seek professional medical assessment and treatment. A medical professional will create medical records of your slip and fall injuries, including diagnoses, treatments, and medical bills. You’ll need to request copies of these records and give them to your slip and fall lawyer. Make sure your healthcare provider includes all expenses, such as surgeries, medications, hospital stays, and physical therapy.
Other supporting documents to gather include a note of lost wages and lost earning capacity. Such documentation should detail the days you missed from work or the impact of the injury on your business. A finance professional can help you calculate your lost earning capacity, particularly if you’ve sustained a long-term injury.
4. Building Code Violations
A public or commercial property that violates local or national building codes can cause slip and fall accidents. If your accident results from broken staircases, malfunctioned lighting, or lack of non-slip mats, you have the right to seek compensation for the sustained injuries. Act swiftly to collect this evidence by taking photos or videos of the location before the owner gets the issue fixed. Your slip and fall attorney will examine the location to gather further evidence that the accident occurred due to the property owner’s negligence.
Also Read: Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights and Seeking Justice
Hire an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer
Having supporting evidence to prove liability can help your lawyer win your slip and fall case. A reliable lawyer will gather evidence, analyze it, and build a strong case to show the property owner’s liability. Contact your slip and fall lawyer today to help you collect and analyze supporting evidence for your case.
