Why You Should Take Photographs Following a Slip and Fall Accident
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Icy sidewalks, wet floors, or poorly lit hallways are all common causes of slip and falls, which sometimes result in serious injury. Often, people feel fine immediately after a fall, only to notice bruises or dizziness later.
If you seriously injure yourself after a fall, consult an experienced slip and fall attorney. They will need to prove that the property owner’s negligence caused the dangerous conditions that resulted in your fall. One picture is worth a thousand words and can significantly boost your chances of winning a slip and fall case.
Prove Dangerous Conditions
Not all slip and falls result in successful personal injury cases. If you slip because you were not looking where you were going, you probably won’t win a case. However, if your fall happens because of poor lighting, badly maintained carpets, or wet or icy spots, you may have a successful injury claim.
While pictures of the area won’t guarantee you a win, they can help your lawyer argue your case. After showing that the dangerous conditions caused your injury, they will also need to prove the property or business owner knew about the conditions and failed to fix them.
Most slip and fall cases fall under the concept of premises liability. Besides proving negligence on behalf of the property owner, your lawyer will need to show that you were legally allowed on the premises.
Prove Your Injuries Happened At the Site
In court, the defendant’s lawyer may argue that your injuries happened elsewhere. By taking photos of your injuries immediately after the fall, you can help your lawyer show that your injuries happened on the defendant’s properties.
Many cell phone photos have metadata that records the date, time, and location of the photo. Your lawyer can have the metadata analyzed to prove that you took the pictures of your injuries at the place and time you claim.
Other Steps To Take
While taking pictures is important, you should take several other steps following a slip and fall injury. After taking photos, speak with the owner or manager of the store, and ask for their contact information. Ensure they create a written record of the incident, especially if there were no witnesses to the accident.
You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. To receive compensation, you will need a medical record of your injuries to give to the insurance company. Additionally, some medical problems like head injuries or pulled muscles can take several hours to become clear. The sooner you receive medical care, the faster your recovery will be.
If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information.
You should also note and take pictures of the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident. If possible, store them in a sealed bag and do not throw them away. Often, defendants will argue that slippery shoes or long pants caused the accident and may request a slip test. If you cannot produce the shoes, it could significantly damage your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you recently sustained a slip and fall injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call the experienced personal injury law firm of Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., today at 866-MICH-LAW to schedule a free consultation. We don’t get paid until you win, so let us fight for your right to compensation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.