What Evidence Do I Need to Keep from a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident can result in traumatic injuries that may result in permanent disabilities. Some slip and fall accidents result in substantial damages, including lost wages, medical bills, and physical pain. However, you must prove that the property owner was negligent in either causing your fall or allowing a hazardous condition to remain that caused your fall.
Gathering Evidence in a Slip and Fall Case
Your attorney will identify and gather evidence to use as he builds a case against the property owner. However, there are some pieces of evidence that you can preserve to help your attorney as he builds a case for damages in your slip and fall case.
- Your Clothing – After a slip and fall accident, keep the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall. Place them in a plastic bag without washing or wiping off your clothing or shoes. There could be evidence on your clothing and shoes that help prove a hazard caused your fall. Furthermore, if the defendant tries to allege your shoes or clothing caused the fall, your attorney will need the original items to refute the allegation.
- Foreign Material and/or Debris – If an item or something on the floor caused your fall, keep this item to give to your attorney. Place it in a bag and seal it tight. If you are unable to remove the item, take pictures of the item and the surrounding area for your attorney. After your slip and fall, the property owner may repair or correct the problem that caused your fall. It is important to have evidence showing the hazardous condition as it was at the time of your fall.
- Medical Records – Your attorney will request copies of your medical records from your healthcare providers; however, keep copies of all documents you receive related to your care and treatment. It is always wise to provide these to your attorney to cover all of your bases, especially if you have out-of-pocket medical costs for over-the-counter medications and/or equipment.
- Recovery Journal – Part of the compensation you may be entitled to receive is non-economic. Non-economic damages include physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish. Because these damages are not easy to quantify, it helps to have a detailed narrative of how your injuries impacted your daily life and your relationship with others. You should note your pain level, your emotional state, and activities you are unable to do because of your injuries.
Do You Need a Fresno Slip and Fall Attorney?
Have you been injured in a slip and fall accident? Are you missing work due to a fall? Are your medical bills piling up faster than you can pay them? Does the pain from a fall keep you from doing the things you used to enjoy? If so, you need to call our office as soon as possible to discuss how a slip and fall lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your damages.
Contact Torem & Associates by calling (888) 500-5000 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Fresno personal injury attorneys.
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