When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may choose to file a personal injury claim against the premises owner or manager of the site where the fall took place. But you must provide evidence that supports that claim. And this is where many slip and fall claims fall short.
Preservation of Evidence
As the victim of a slip and fall accident, the last thing you are thinking about at the time of the fall is an insurance claim. You are dealing with the situation at hand. But in order to file a successful claim, evidence of the cause of the accident and confirming the liability of the premises owner is essential. Preserving as much evidence as possible after an injury is key.
Taking Photos of the Scene
Chances are, at the time of the accident, you haven’t had the presence of mind to collect evidence. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after your accident or enlist someone to do it for you. You should take photos of anything that may have contributed to your fall such as spills that had not been properly cleaned up, loose flooring, debris in the walkway, loose handrails or anything else that may indicate premises liability. These photos should be detailed and well-documented.
Physical Evidence
Although photos are helpful, physical evidence can be even more compelling. Keep any clothing and footwear that you were wearing during the incident and anything that may have been broken as a result of your fall. If the area had surveillance video, this can be extremely helpful in documenting your claim. This may need to be ordered by your Burlington injury lawyer, however.
Witnesses
With any personal injury claim, witnesses are extremely helpful. If you are able, get the names and personal contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. If the accident took place in a store or busy public area, it may be helpful to enlist any employees who may have seen the incident.
Medical Records
After a slip and fall accident, it’s important to seek medical assistance even if you aren’t sure that you’ve been injured. After a fall, your body produces adrenaline and you may feel perfectly fine after the initial incident only to experience symptoms hours and even days later. Getting immediate medical attention will help treat and document any issues that may have arisen due to the accident.
The Role of an Injury Lawyer
After a slip and fall accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer in Burlington to understand your rights under premises liability law. A skilled lawyer can offer professional advice as well as help document evidence and locate witnesses. In many cases, slip and fall accident claims are difficult to maneuver without the aid of a legal professional.
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, you may not know where to turn. Call the professionals at MPC Law for a no-cost consultation.
