In order to recover damages following a slip and fall accident, you will have to prove that your injuries were caused by another’s negligence. As such, the more evidence you can collect, the greater your chances of a successful claim. One of the most compelling types of evidence is pictures. In the past, getting pictures of an accident scene immediately following the accident was dependent on one of the witnesses having a camera. However, with today’s smartphones, just about everyone is equipped with a high-quality camera at all times.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. Common causes include:
- Ice or snow
- Uneven steps or flooring
- Debris or clutter in walkways
- Poor lighting
- Exposed wiring
- Cracked pavement
- Wet or slippery flooring
- Missing handrails
- Holes in flooring
- Lack of warning signs
- Worn carpet
- Broken tiles
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
According to the National Safety Council, slip and fall accidents send nearly nine million people to the emergency room each year. Some of these injuries are minor, but injuries can be serious, and even fatal. Common slip and fall injuries include:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Bruises
- Sprains or fractures
- Shoulder dislocation
- Broken hips
- Back and spine injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Elderly people have a significantly higher risk of being seriously injured in a slip and fall accident, but all ages are at risk. A Boston personal injury attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident.
Was Negligence a Factor?
If your slip and fall accident was a result of another’s negligence, you may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. But to do so, you have to prove negligence. Collecting solid evidence to substantiate your claim is the best way to prove negligence. Read on for more information about collecting evidence.
Take Pictures
If you are immediately able to take pictures, do so. Photograph any visible injuries, such as bruises and scrapes, as well as the accident scene and all surrounding areas. Did you slip on a spilled substance? Photograph it. Take pictures from multiple angles to show other potential factors. For example, did staff fail to place a “wet floor” sign next to the spill? Is there a visible clock on the wall showing the time? The more pictures you take, the better.
Ask a Friend to Take Pictures
If you do not have a camera on you, or you are physically unable to take pictures, ask a friend, relative, or witness to do so for you. It is important to get pictures before anyone alters the area in which the accident occurred – by placing a “wet floor” sign after the fact, for example. This is especially true of ice and snow-related slip and fall accidents. These conditions can naturally change within minutes. A MA personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident.
Get Witness Information
If any witnesses are present, obtain their contact information in case you need to contact them later. A combination of eye witness testimony and photographs provides compelling evidence in court.
Request an Accident Report
Finally, ask for a copy of the accident report if one is filed. It is your right to obtain this information. Do not, however, sign anything if requested to do so by the store or property owner. Wait until you’ve spoken with your lawyer to discuss the accident with anyone.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. We will thoroughly review the details of your case to ensure that you are positioned for the most favorable outcome possible. It is our goal to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get on with your life. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.