Slip-and-falls can lead to serious injuries. People who trip over a wrinkled rug or slip in a spill in the grocery store can break bones or injure their brains. They may have medical bills and may also lose income because of their injuries. They may be able to pursue a premises liability claim against the property owner or business for injuries sustained in a public location.
Frequently, premises liability claims associated with slip-and-falls lead to protracted negotiations with insurance professionals. Other times, people may need to litigate to receive the compensation that they deserve. In either scenario, they usually need evidence if they intend to demand financial justice. The following types of evidence are usually necessary for successful slip-and-fall lawsuits.
1. Evidence of negligence
Most slip-and-fall scenarios involve allegations of negligent facility maintenance. Failing to anchor or clean rugs at entranceways can lead to preventable injuries. Understaffing can lead to deferred cleaning, which can have serious consequences for customers at the business.
People who get hurt in public locations may need to use their mobile devices to record video footage or take photographs of the obvious hazards that cause their injuries. Preserving evidence of what caused the slip-and-fall can make it easier to justify allegations of negligence.
2. Proof of the incident
Sometimes, property owners or businesses try to claim that premises liability allegations are fabrications. They insist that nothing actually happened. As such, it is critical to document the incident.
People may need to obtain the names and contact information of witnesses present when they fell. They typically also need to notify the business owner, property manager or supervisor on duty and fill out a written report. That way, there are corroborating records at the facility or business that the slip-and-fall actually occurred.
3. Documentation of losses
Personal injury lawsuits are only possible in scenarios where people have expenses associated with what occurred. Medical invoices and reports from work affirming that someone missed multiple shifts can be helpful. So can documentation showing property damage losses, including records of damage to clothing, jewelry or mobile devices.
Those hoping to pursue a slip-and-fall lawsuit or insurance claim may need help developing their legal case, and that’s okay. With the right assistance, those injured due to unsafe property conditions can hold businesses and property owners accountable.