A slip and fall is one of the most common accidents that causes injury, and often, these injuries can be serious. When you are involved in a slip and fall accident, there are many costs associated with it, including medical bills and lost wages. Because the costs of a slip and fall injury are so high, an establishment will sometimes try to pin the blame on the victim, saying they did something themselves to cause the fall.
If you are being blamed for a slip and fall, here are some things you can do.
Ask for Video Footage
Most public establishments have security cameras that cover almost every area of the floor. One thing you can do to strengthen your case is to request that video footage of the area where you fell be obtained and provided to yourself and your attorney.
The video footage may show a spill in the area that was not cleaned up, or an employee who mopped the floor and neglected to put out a wet floor sign. Video evidence can often be the strongest form of evidence in a slip and fall case.
Obtain an Inspection of the Property
As soon as possible following the accident, you should have someone inspect the property where you fell. Ideally, this is your slip and fall attorney or someone your attorney recommends. You’ll the property the accident occurred at to be inspected for things like poor lighting in dark areas, slick hardwood or tiles, broken tiles or concrete, uneven flooring, debris on the floor or in the walkway, and other issues that may have caused you to slip or trip, and fall.
Get Statements from Witnesses Who Were Present at the Time
If you slipped and fell in a public establishment, there may have been witnesses to the incident that occurred. If possible, get the names and telephone numbers for witnesses who would be willing to provide a statement regarding what they saw. If you have witnesses suggesting there was no wet floor sign after an employee mopped or there was a pipe that was leaking water, it can strengthen your case.
Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible
Don’t be surprised if the establishment you were injured at attempts to saddle you with some or all of the blame for the accident. The truth is, they want to avoid paying out a settlement when at all possible and will look for any loophole they can. Don’t be discouraged and get the legal support you need from an experienced slip and fall attorney.
At Guest & Brady, you can speak with a slip and fall attorney that is well versed in premises liability law and can provide you with compassionate, zealous legal representation against unscrupulous establishments that were negligent in the duty of care owed to their patrons. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss filing a personal injury claim in detail by calling (864) 233-7200.
