Based on the different elements of a slip and fall claim, one thing is clear: evidence matters. Ultimately, gathering evidence of your slip and fall helps tell your side of the story and generate credibility. With this in mind, there are a number of things that you can do to help build your claim from the moment you receive your injury.
1. Take Photos Of The Scene
Photographs are probably some of the most important evidence in any slip and fall case. That’s because they not only show the conditions of the area when the slip and fall happened but also contain metadata indicating the date and time of the incident. This helps recreate the moments leading up to the injury and helps verify your personal claim. If you can, take as many pictures as possible of the scene, such as damaged or slippery floors. You should also take photos of the surrounding area if there aren’t any posted warnings.
2. Write Down A Personal Account Of The Accident
Before you leave the scene, try to write down or record every detail you can about the incident. For example, make a note of the time of day, visibility, and what you are wearing. It may even help to explain what you were doing when the slip and fall happened as well as the overall conditions of the walkway. All of this information helps, even if it seems insignificant at the time of the injury.
3. Ask Witnesses For Their Contact Information
Unless your slip and fall happened in an isolated area, chances are that somebody saw it. You should identify any potential witnesses and ask them if they are willing to give you a statement. If so, ask for their contact information and follow up with them as soon as possible. A Las Vegas slip and fall lawyer can help interview them and ensure that their account is accurate.
4. Seek Medical Attention
If there’s anything that might jeopardize your slip and fall case, it’s refusing to see a doctor. Even if you don’t think you have a serious injury, we recommend seeking medical attention after your slip and fall. Some serious injuries might not have any noticeable symptoms, even if they worsen. In addition, the defense may argue that your injury isn’t that serious since you didn’t get treatment.
5. Stick To The Truth
There’s the old saying that “honesty is the best policy.” In slip and fall cases, this is no different. Even if the defense wants to interview you, it’s always best to stick to the evidence at hand. Read through your own personal account from the scene and review the photos you have. Most importantly, make sure your own testimony is consistent.
