4 Tips For Building Evidence Of Your Slip And Fall Injury Claim
Slip and fall accidents are quite common in the U.S., accounting for over 21 percent of hospital emergency room visits each year. Slip and fall accidents can occur due to the gross negligence of the property owner, but proving such negligence can be an uphill battle for most people. To receive fair compensation for your slip and fall injuries, you'll need to gather plenty of evidence that clearly and strongly supports your claims.
Report the Fall Immediately
One of the most common mistakes that slip and fall injury victims make is not reporting the incident to the premises owner or manager as soon as it happens. If the injury occurs on public property, you should report it to the city, county or state government responsible as soon as possible. Waiting to report the injury to the proper entities isn't something that'll bar you from filing your claim, but it could erode your chances of winning it.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
You might not feel that your slip and fall accident is serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention. In some cases, you might even decide to forgo immediate treatment only to show up at the hospital days later with a delayed injury. However, this could come back to haunt you as you proceed with your case.
There's no reason to delay medical treatment in a slip and fall accident, especially if you are seriously hurt. By not seeking immediate medical attention, the jury might assume that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim them to be, which could jeopardize your case by damaging your own credibility.
Photograph the Area Where the Fall Occurred
When it comes to establishing a slip and fall injury claim, photographic evidence is often the best evidence to have. By photographing the exact scene of the accident shortly after it occurred, you'll have an accurate visual representation of the area as it was at the time of the accident. Without photographic evidence, you may find it more difficult, if not impossible, to successfully prove your case.
It's usually a good idea to take as many pictures of the accident scene as possible from a variety of different angles. If you're not physically able to take pictures yourself or if you don't have a camera, you should have a friend or family member take pictures on your behalf as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that it's a race against the clock when it comes to gathering photographic evidence. If you're gathering evidence in a slip and fall case involving an icy pathway, then you'll want to get pictures before the ice melts. Similarly, you should take pictures before anyone else has a chance to alter the scene, which could put the case in their favor unless you have the evidence to prove otherwise.
Get Eyewitness Information
Eyewitness information can be just as crucial as photographic evidence in a slip and fall injury case. Even if just a single person witnessed your slip and fall injury, that person will still be able to corroborate your story and even provide details that further establish the other party's culpability.
Witnesses who may not have seen the accident unfold before their very eyes can still play a useful role in establishing your case. If a witness missed the actual accident, for example, there's still a good chance they have seen you in a visibly injured state moments after the accident occurred.
Like photographic evidence, time is of the essence when it comes to gathering eyewitness statements. Fresh memories can become unreliable as time passes and potential witnesses can leave the scene if you wait too long, so it's crucial to gather statements as well as contact information immediately after the accident occurs. For more information, visit websites like http://www.putnamlieb.com.
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