Slip-And-Fall Accidents: Steps To Take To Help Support Evidence Of Liability
Posted on: 13 November 2014
When a person is injured at a business site, they are sometimes embarrassed to report the incident. In some cases, they may fail to report or document the details of the incident. Unfortunately, this can all work against you should you decide to pursue a personal injury or premises liability claim. This is because you may not have sufficient evidence to prove the owner's negligence, which led to your fall and injury. To make sure that you are able to support the liability in your individual case, you need to follow these seven steps:
- Report the incident immediately. This should be done to the owner of the building or management of the premises. This is one of the most common mistakes people make.
- Request medical assistance. This should be done immediately following the fall. No matter how small you think your injury is, you should always call for medical help. This is so that your injuries are documented from the get go. If you fail to seek immediate treatment, it may open up a loophole for the defendant to say that you weren't really hurt.
- Get Information from Witnesses. Take the time to obtain names and contact information for any individuals who witnessed the incident. If you are hurt too badly and someone is with you, make sure they stay behind – if necessary – in order to obtain this information. Witness testimony is often invaluable in slip-and-fall accidents.
- Snap Pictures of the Area. You should also take the time to snap a few pictures of what caused you to slip and fall. This may be a damaged railing, puddle of water or an uneven driveway. Whatever it is, make sure you grab your phone out of your pocket or purse and get a few pictures. This can really help your case since the owner of the building won't have time to try and "cover up" their mistake.
- Take Photos of Your Injuries. Don't forget to also use your phone to snap a few pictures of all of your injuries that you sustained. This may include anything from bruises and abrasions to serious cuts and scars.
- File a Report. Make sure that you file an accident report with all the necessary parties. This report should be written and should be filed with the owner/management, local authorities, etc.
- Jot Down What Happened. As soon as you have a chance, you need to write down everything you remember leading up to the incident. You should have your own detailed and written recollection of what went down. Even if you think something isn't relevant, go ahead and write it down anyway. You never know what is going to happen and that one piece that you left out of your report may be what keeps you from getting the settlement that you deserve.
Believe it or not, your diligent observation and recollection of the incident can go a very long way in proving the negligence of the building or store owner/management. In order for a slip-and-fall claim to go anywhere, it is imperative that you be able to prove that the owner or management had actual knowledge or previous notice of the dangerous condition or that they should have been aware of the dangerous situation on their premises.
When you've been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, it is important that you hire the services of a reputable and local personal injury law firm. They can examine your case and determine if it is worthwhile to pursue legal action. In addition, a professional personal injury attorney will be your best bet at getting a deserving settlement while also ensuring that the negligent party is held responsible for their reckless behavior.
For more information, contact Dallmeyer Law Firm or a similar organization.
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