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If you slipped, tripped, or fell on someone else's property, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses. However, even if it seems obvious that the property owner was negligent, this doesn't mean you will receive a payout without facing any resistance. 

Ultimately, you will have to gather strong evidence to demonstrate liability, causation, and damages. Any weaknesses in this regard could lead to disputes as the insurer pounces on gaps in your version of events in a bid to minimize their liability. 

With that in mind, let's look at a few types of evidence that might help strengthen your slip and fall claim: 

Official Reports 

Whether you were injured at a grocery store, hotel, or any other kind of business, the manager on duty is usually required to compile a report on the accident. Additionally, if police arrived to investigate what happened, they may have also filed their own report which will usually include information such as the time, date, and location of the incident. Such documents don't just serve as official records of your slip and fall, but could also help guide your attorney's investigation. 

Photographs of the Accident Scene 

If, for example, you slipped and fell because of a faulty handrailing, taking pictures of this hazard could help strengthen your case. It's possible that the property owner will remove, repair, or replace the hazard, so any images you were able to capture will ensure that evidence of this dangerous condition is preserved.  

Additionally, most businesses are outfitted with surveillance cameras, so it's likely that one of these devices captured footage of the moment you were injured. You should try to obtain these video files as soon as possible as such recordings are routinely erased every few days. 

Eyewitness Statements 

Did another patron, staff member, or passerby see what happened? Did someone previously report the dangerous condition that eventually caused your injuries? Statements from these eyewitnesses could help you prove liability. As such, you should take down the names and contact details of any onlookers to share with your attorney as he or she may want to interview them later.  

Financial Documents 

Once you've established liability, you will need to demonstrate the kinds of damages you incurred as a direct result of the slip and fall. Financial documents, such as those associated with your healthcare and property repairs, will usually make up the bulk of such evidence—but there are other important elements to consider. 

For instance, if you were unable to work because of your injuries, gathering paystubs, tax returns, and other evidence of missed paychecks could help you recover compensation for the income you lost. Alternatively, if your injuries caused you considerable pain and suffering, starting a personal injury journal to keep track of your daily struggles and challenges could help you build a case for non-economic damages. 

Speak to a California Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today 

If you were seriously hurt after slipping, tripping, or falling, turn to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for guidance, support, and representation. We've helped our clients recover more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts, a track record that we believe speaks to the knowledge, experience, and resources we bring to every case. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or jump to our contact form HERE to request a free case assessment with a California slip and fall attorney.