Documenting Evidence After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Documenting Evidence After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
After a slip-and-fall accident, it may seem like the existence of the hazardous conditions that caused your slip-and-fall incident won’t be enough to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. While the circumstances surrounding each slip and fall claim are unique, there are several steps that you can take when seeking fair compensation for what you have suffered.
The most important step you can take for your slip and fall lawsuit or premises liability claim is to document evidence. This can involve documenting where the fall occurred, the fall injuries, and more to prove the negligence of the property owner. Exactly the kind of evidence that can help your slip and fall case may be unclear until the case progresses further, so make sure to hold on to everything related to your fall case until it is resolved.
Slip-and-fall accidents are responsible for over 1 million emergency room visits annually in the United States. If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To learn more about your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ, contact the lawyers of Hill & Moin, LLP, today at (212) 668-6000. We can help you understand the best course of action for your case.
What Evidence Can Help Your Case?
Medical records are key pieces of evidence for your slip and fall case. These records help document your injuries, proving the extent and severity of the damage caused by the negligent property owner.
Medical records include:
- Doctor’s notes
- Hospital bills
- Test results
- Medication receipts
- X-rays and other imaging tests
- Your appointment log with various medical professionals
In addition to medical records provided by a hospital or clinic, a daily personal log of any pain or discomfort you suffered can support your fall claim. This log can include your experiences, such as emotional distress and any limitations caused by your injuries.
An eyewitness account can also greatly help in a slip and fall case. Locating a witness to your accident who is willing to testify on your behalf can make a big difference in proving your side of the story.
Any financial repercussions from your accident, such as missed work, and relevant eyewitness statements should be carefully recorded and preserved as evidence of financial hardship.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
You can begin gathering evidence for your slip-and-fall accident claim the moment that the incident happens. Preserving evidence, noting any witnesses present, and seeking immediate medical attention are just a few of the things you can do to try and ensure a fair settlement.
Here are a few steps you should take as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome in your case:
- Document the accident scene. Take pictures of the place where the accident occurred, any warning signs, or lack thereof, and your visible injuries. If you have fallen in a public place, there may be security camera footage of your fall, which a lawyer can access to support your claim. If the incident occurs on someone else’s property, gathering evidence on the responsible parties may require legal representation.
- Collect witness contact information. Depending on where your slip-and-fall incident took place, there may be people around who offer to help you or who saw what happened. Getting their names and contact information is vital so for gathering testimony to corroborate your version of events.
- Report the accident. Notify whoever is in charge of the place where your accident occurred – whether the property owner, store manager, or landlord. Be sure to include all relevant details in the accident report, including the circumstances leading up to it. Be sure to acquire a copy for your records.
- Seek medical attention promptly. Get medically evaluated as soon as you can after the accident, even if you don’t seem to have serious injuries. By seeking immediate medical attention, you can ensure that any injuries you have get the appropriate medical treatment and are logged in your medical record as evidence. That way, your medical expenses can be part of your personal injury claim.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. Seek help with your premises liability claim. An experienced attorney will know the ins and outs, and his or her guidance can make a big difference in your recovery.
Performing the above tasks in the aftermath of your accident can help you receive the compensation you deserve. While each case is different, there are common denominators among fall cases. Talk to a qualified lawyer to make sure your case is on the right track.
What to Keep Track of As Time Goes On
Personal injury lawsuits are not always resolved quickly. As time goes on, and you are waiting for your settlement, you need to make sure that you keep good records. Every treatment, expense, email, or phone call can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Here are a few points to remember as time goes on:
- Keep detailed records of the ongoing medical bills and medical treatments you receive. Don’t skip your follow-up appointments, and keep track of what the doctors say about your prognosis. Seeking medical attention is essential both at the beginning of your claim and as it progresses.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer. Even if you don’t do this immediately, it may not be too late to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who has experience in handling slip-and-fall accident cases. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
- Be cautious when communicating with the negligent party’s insurance company or representatives. Even personally communicating with eyewitnesses can be dangerous to your case. It is best to let your lawyer handle all communication about your case on your behalf.
- Keep track of missed work or lost wages due to the accident and any pain, suffering, or emotional distress you have experienced. These non-economic damages may be included in a settlement or court award.
- Document how the accident is affecting your daily life. You don’t have to accept that your “new normal” is how things simply must be – you can fight for justice.
By keeping the former points in mind as your case progresses, you give yourself the best chance of a just recovery. Your personal injury claim for your slip-and-fall accident may require a thorough investigation to establish liability based on eyewitness accounts, visual evidence, and more.
How Hill & Moin Can Help You After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
At Hill & Moin LLP, our injury lawyers are ready to help those who have experienced slip-and-fall accidents. We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the legal process alone.
Areas that our personal injury attorneys can help you with your slip and fall injury case include:
- Collecting the documentation you need
- Gathering evidence
- Knowing how to preserve evidence and identify witnesses
- Taking witness statements
- Documenting injuries
- Establishing liability,
- Helping you receive fair compensation
Our personal injury legal team has extensive experience in slip and fall cases and personal injury law, so we know how to prepare your slip-and-fall accident claim effectively. When we take on your slip and fall case, we can help you seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
When you hire a Hill & Moin slip and fall lawyer, we will fight to ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury law slip and fall case. Since we have your interests at heart, working with us will feel like you have a lawyer in the family. We serve slip and fall injury victims in multiple New York City areas, including Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ. Call (212) 668-6000 or fill out the contact form.
Don’t wonder about your rights!