The Pieces of Evidence A Lawyer Will Look for In A Slip-And-Fall Injury Case

When visiting a grocery store, shopping mall, or any other place in California, the last thing you expect is to slip and fall and sustain some injuries, that too due to the fault of someone else. Accidents can happen, and slips and falls are common occurrences. In fact, according to a CDC report, in 2020, slips and falls were among the leading cause of non-fatal emergencies.

When seeking compensation for your slip and fall injuries, a slip and fall accident lawyer can help prove the negligence of the property owner. However, you have to provide evidence to prove that it was the carelessness of the owner that resulted in the fall. In California, one can receive compensation of between $15,000 and $50,000; however, it depends on the severity of the injury and the evidence presented in the court.

So, to ensure the case is in your favor, the lawyer looks out for the following pieces of evidence.

Photographic Evidence

The success of your case depends on how well you prove that the injuries you sustain are due to the hazardous environment. A picture speaks a thousand words and is even more essential regarding the slip and fall injury case. The lawyer will take photos of the scene as it will be easy to identify the factors that lead to the accident. For example, if you trip and fall on the floor, you can present photographs of the uneven or slippery floor.

Copy Of Maintenance Records

Any establishment must keep its surroundings safe for its customers. To ensure that the property owner complies with the law, your lawyer will get the maintenance records of the property and a copy of external and internal safety records.

Video Footage

The lawyer can get video evidence from several such as CCTV footage. If you slip and fall outside, such as in the parking lot, there will be CCTVs of the nearby shops. Also, there might be some spectators that captured the incident on their mobile phones. The lawyer can ask the witnesses if they have any video footage. It will also help in proving that you were not at fault.

Also, remember that most business owners might remove the old video footage. So, to avoid it is recommended to get in touch with the lawyer as soon as possible so that they can notify the owner of your injury claim, and they will not be able to tamper with the video evidence.

The Medical Records

Medical records play a crucial role as they prove you have sustained injuries. This includes X-rays, diagnoses, hospital bills, etc. It will not only showcase the extent of your injuries, but it will also help determine the compensation amount. Also, not only the medical records but the testimony of doctors and nurses regarding the injuries affect your case, and it can also be used as evidence by your attorney.

Testimonies Of the Witnesses

It is expected that the business owner will have their version too. So, you must have an unbiased witness testimony. Witnesses might have witnessed the incident; your lawyer can contact them. These witnesses help explain what transpired and how the hazardous surroundings led to your fall.

Conclusion

Summing up, slip and fall accidents are common, and most of the time, they do not lead to injuries. However, if you get seriously injured due to the negligence of others, then you are entitled to compensation. Still, you have to prove that your injuries are due to the negligence of the property owner. Collecting evidence and building up a case is not an easy task, but with the help of an experienced lawyer, you can get all the required evidence supporting your claim.