Evidence to Support Your Slip and Fall Case

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident on someone else's property in New York City, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, building a strong case requires thorough evidence. The more documentation and records you can provide, the better your chances of receiving a fair settlement or court award. Your attorney will help you gathering the evidence.

What Evidence Do You Need?

To prove your slip and fall claim, you'll need evidence showing the property owner was negligent in allowing hazardous conditions and that it was their property that cauased the injury. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Photos/video footage of the accident scene
• Witness statements and contact information
• Medical reports and bills detailing your injuries
• Pay stubs and employment records if you missed work
• Premises inspection and maintenance logs

Documenting the Accident Scene

If possible, take photos and video at the accident location immediately after the incident occurs. Note any hazardous conditions such as poor lighting, uneven surfaces, lack of handrails, obstacles, slippery substances on the floor, and so on. Get the names and contact details for any witnesses.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it's crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Seemingly small accidents can potentially cause significant injuries. Following up with all prescribed treatment, diagnostic testing, therapy, etc. creates an official record of the extent of your injuries tied to the accident.

Proving Lost Income

If your injuries forced you to miss work, be sure to document your lost wages and income. Provide copies of employment records like pay stubs, W2 forms, etc. showing your typical earnings. If career opportunities were missed due to your injuries, keep a record.

Investigating Liability

To prove a premises owner or occupier was negligent and liable for your injuries, your attorney will likely need to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Several key factors can help establish liability:

Premises Inspection and Maintenance Logs

Request copies of any inspection reports, maintenance logs, and repair records for the area where the accident occurred. These documents can show if the property owner knew or should have known about hazardous conditions but failed to address them promptly.

For example, the records may reveal the owner was aware of a leak that caused a puddle where you slipped and fell but did not resolve the issue or set up warning signs. Similarly, a lack of routine inspections altogether could demonstrate negligence.

Safety Code Violations

Depending on the type of property, there may be state, local, or federal safety regulations the owner is required to follow. An attorney like us can review any relevant building codes, standards for parking lots, stairs, and so on to identify potential violations.

For instance, perhaps there were no handicap-accessible ramps or handrails as required, or the stairs lacked the necessary non-slip coating. Failure to meet mandatory safety rules can provide strong evidence of negligence.

History of Prior Incidents

We can also request any incident reports, insurance claims, or other records relating to previous slip and fall accidents in the same location. A pattern of recurring hazardous conditions and injuries can show the property owner had notice of dangers but did nothing sufficient to remedy them.

Photographic and Video Evidence

In addition to the photos and videos you took immediately following your accident, we can also conduct a more thorough investigation of the accident site itself while the area is still relatively untouched. Having an expert examine the scene can provide additional evidence of how an accident occurred and who may be at fault.

Expert Witness Testimony

In some cases, we can hire various experts to review evidence and provide testimony, such as an accident reconstruction analyst, a safety consultant, a medical professional, or a life care planner. Their expertise can not only establish liability but also help calculate current and future economic damages.

By leaving no stone unturned when investigating liability, a skilled premises liability lawyer can build the strongest possible case and increase the likelihood of a fair outcome and appropriate compensation for your injuries.

Working With an Attorney

Having skilled legal representation like us can greatly improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can:

• Ensure you gather all relevant evidence
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies
• Advise you on whether to accept a settlement offer or pursue a lawsuit
• Advocate forcefully for your rights in court if a trial is necessary

While building a strong case through evidence may seem daunting, consulting an experienced slip and fall lawyer like us can put your mind at ease. With our guidance, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the justice and fair compensation you are owed.

We understand the complexities of personal injury claims arising from slips and falls and will work tirelessly to protect your future, so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life. Contact us today if you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence. The Law Offices of Albert Goodwin can provide you with personalized guidance and advocate for your rights, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We are located in Midtown Manhattan in New York, NY. We cover Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island and Westchester. You can call us at 212-233-1233 or send us an email at [email protected] .