How to Prove You Were Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
You may believe the property owner is automatically liable if you slip and fall on their property. However, this is not always the case. Injury victims must prove the owner was negligent to receive compensation.
In this case, you must collect compelling evidence that proves the owner knew or should have known a defective condition was present and that it caused your injury.
Unfortunately, these cases are not always as straightforward as they seem. The testimony and documents you provide will help build a strong premises liability case. They also play a huge role in your ability to secure a fair amount of compensation.
Because these cases can be complex and confusing, it is smart to hire an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance. They can help ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your accident and injury.
Must-Have Documents for Your Slip and Fall Case
Property owners have a responsibility to find any potentially hazardous conditions and fix them quickly. If the issues are not fixed, they should warn visitors about the hazard until it is remedied.
When filing a slip and fall lawsuit, you must have evidence that proves the owner breached these duties.
Some of the documents that can help you prove this include the following:
The Accident Report
If you fall at a commercial property, like a parking lot, department store, or grocery store, you should report the incident immediately to the person in charge. Many businesses will require injury victims to complete an incident report. This will include all the related information so their insurance company can follow up with you.
While it is important to fill out this report before you leave the location where you fell, be sure you only report the facts. This includes the location, time, and date of the incident. Leave your opinions out of the report. You also need to request a copy of it for your records.
The Police Report
If your slip and fall incident resulted in the police coming to the scene, they would also complete a report. You should request a copy of this, too. The police report can help prove your claim, especially in cases where you lost consciousness and had to be taken from the location by ambulance.
Your Written Account of the Incident
Sometimes, the police will not be contacted. This is usually the case if your accident did not occur on commercial property. In this situation, it is up to you to create a comprehensive report of what occurred. Some of the things to include in your report are:
The location, time, and date of the incident
A description of the environment
What you were doing right before the incident occurred
What happened after you fell
Anything you remember about the scene
People who saw what happened and their contact information (if possible)
It is best to write down anything you can remember about the incident. This is going to give you your best chance of recovery.
Photos and Videos
Besides the documentation mentioned above, taking photos or videos of where you fell is also wise. These may show details that you did not see or notice. Taking a video will help you capture actions from the managers or owners of the property and how they respond to your accident and injuries.
Hire an Attorney to Help Prove Your Slip and Fall Accident and Injuries
A slip-and-fall accident can cause many types of injuries. It is up to you to prove what happened. Starting with the documentation here will help you prove your situation. You should also hire a Daytona Beach slip and fall lawyer to gather additional evidence to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
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