Slip and Fall Accidents – Collecting Evidence

Slips and falls can cause broken bones, head injuries and even paralysis. Victims often cannot return to work, and the medical bills alone are enough to fall into debt. If you trip on another person’s property because of a hazard and hurt yourself – especially if the owner knew about the hazard – then you should contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible.
In order to prevail in a premises liability lawsuit, you will have to present strong evidence to support your claim. If your injury happened in Illinois, then a Chicago personal injury attorney from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can provide legal guidance. Call us today at 1-800-985-1819 to discuss your options.

Four ways to collect evidence after a slip and fall

Take Photographs

Photographs can resolve many disputes before they start. You should take as many photos as you can at the scene.
Take pictures of the entire area with a special focus on the hazard that caused the fall. If it was a spill, then take a few snapshots of it from different angles. Include obvious landmarks wherever possible in the background, such as the store’s name or an employee. If a manager or employee removes the hazard, then your photos can serve as evidence that it existed.
If you a defect caused an unlevel surface, use a ruler in the photograph to provide an accurate measurement of the defect. Disputes can and will most likely arise over the size of the defect.

Request an Incident Report

It is crucial that you make your accident known. Notify the proprietor or ask for the person who is responsible for incident reports.
This report will contain a description of the incident, as well as the time and date of its occurrence. Request your own copy, and store it safely.

Insist on Evidence Preservation

Many businesses have security cameras, but some only keep them for 24 hours. This evidence may support your claim, so you should take steps to preserve it. Your personal injury attorney should request a copy of the tape in writing.
You have a right to ask the proprietor to preserve other evidence, as well. Preserving a puddle on the floor may be impossible, but if the hazard was a floor mat or another object, then those are easy to maintain. If this evidence disappears, then you should have photographs to prove that the hazard existed.

Preserve Your Shoes

There are several defenses against a premises liability lawsuit. In a slip and fall case, the defendant may argue that the plaintiff’s shoe soles did not have adequate grip, and this contributed to the accident. This is why you should preserve your shoes as evidence.
Do not throw them away or wear them after a slip and fall incident. Gently wrap them in plastic and store them somewhere safe.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. If you would like to discuss your potential case with a Chicago injury lawyer, then call Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates at 1-800-985-1819 for a free consultation.