Slip and fall accidents frequently happen in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona, often leaving victims with painful injuries and a significant financial burden. These cases can be particularly challenging to prove. If you suffered broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or other injuries in a slip and fall accident, you should retain the experienced personal injury lawyers at Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC in Flagstaff who can obtain the evidence you need and fight with the insurance company for the compensation you are entitled to under Arizona law.
Evidence: the Foundation of a Strong Case
To win your case, you need to prove that the property or business owner's negligence caused your fall, how serious your injuries are, and the compensation you deserve. Gathering compelling evidence is essential to proving your right to the full value of your slip and fall accident claim. The following types of evidence are crucial in supporting your claim.
Incident Report
If the slip and fall accident occurred on someone else's property or at a business, it is essential to file an incident report. This report serves as an official record of the incident and provides important details regarding the accident. Obtain a copy of the incident report, or take a photo of it with your cellphone camera if the owner will not give you a copy of it.
Photos and Videos
Visual evidence can be highly persuasive in slip and fall cases. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, focusing on the hazardous conditions that caused your fall. Capturing images of wet floors, icy patches, uneven surfaces, or any other dangerous elements will help establish the existence of unsafe conditions at the time of the accident.
Witness Statements
Collect contact information from individuals who saw the accident or were present immediately afterward. Their statements can provide crucial details and support your version of events, adding credibility to your case.
Maintenance Records
Request maintenance records from the property or business owner to determine if regular inspections and upkeep were conducted. These records can reveal several things:
- a pattern of neglect
- failure to address hazardous conditions
- the owner or manager knew of a dangerous condition and failed to correct it
Insurance Policy
Review the owner's insurance policy to understand the coverage available for slip and fall accidents. This will help determine how much liability coverage they have to compensate you. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can analyze the policy and advocate for your rights.
Medical Bills
Keep complete records of all medical treatment received to treat your injuries caused by the slip and fall accident. Gather medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and prescriptions. Additionally, maintain copies of medical bills and invoices. These records are essential for calculating your damages.
Wage Loss Documents
If your slip and fall injuries have resulted in missed work, reduced earning capacity, or a permanent disability, gather documents substantiating your wage losses. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, or correspondence with your employer.
Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses can provide specialized knowledge and testify on your behalf in complex slip and fall cases. These professionals may include accident reconstruction, medical, and economic experts. Their expertise can help establish liability, resolve disputes with the insurance company, and strengthen your claim.
Preserving Evidence After a Flagstaff Slip and Fall Accident: Acting Immediately Is Critical
Preserving evidence is paramount in slip and fall accident cases. Taking swift action ensures that crucial information is not lost or compromised. The property or business owner might possess evidence you need to prove your case, such as surveillance footage of your accident, maintenance records, and training manuals. They will not voluntarily give these to you if you are unrepresented.
Collecting the right evidence is important, and you need a skilled Flagstaff personal injury attorney after your slip and fall accident as soon as possible. They can send the property or business owner a demand letter advising them of your claim and requesting documents in their possession that could help establish your right to compensation for your injuries. This letter also informs the owner that they should not alter or destroy the requested evidence.