Individuals who slip and fall often initially hold themselves accountable for their injuries. However, when unsafe conditions lead to injuries, the property owners, rather than the victims, should bear responsibility.
Injuries from falls can vary significantly from one case to another. While some individuals might suffer cuts and bruises, others might experience severe brain or spinal injuries. Regardless of the severity of the situation, victims have the right to seek compensation against those responsible for their injuries. To establish liability, our attorneys can use various types of evidence, such as witness testimonies, security recordings, photographs, and medical records. We can identify potential sources of evidence and gather the necessary proof while you focus on your recovery, whether you are in the hospital or recovering at home.
Call (803) 219-4906 to speak with our slip and fall attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras and receive a private, free review of your case.
Common Injuries Victims Suffer in Greenville, SC Slip and Fall Accidents
Injuries resulting from falls can vary significantly and are influenced by various factors that affect the severity of harm victims experience. For instance, falls from greater heights will likely lead to more serious injuries, just as the circumstances surrounding the fall and the surface they land on play crucial roles.
When someone falls onto hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete, their injuries could be worse, even if the fall occurs from a standing height. A person who hits their head on a solid surface can sustain skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries that can impair cognitive abilities.
Tripping over obstacles, such as tangled wires or uneven flooring, often results in twisted or sprained ankles. Fractures and sprains, particularly in the wrists, hands, and feet, are among the most frequent injuries associated with slipping and falling incidents. However, the impact of such injuries can be felt for years after the victim’s injuries “heal.”
Falls from heights or down staircases can have dire consequences, potentially leading to fatal injuries or serious damage to the spinal column, neck, or back. Such injuries can significantly impact a victim’s earning capacity and quality of life. All of this highlights that while the nature of slipping and falling injuries can differ widely, they frequently require medical intervention and can result in economic damages that deserve compensation.
How to Preserve Evidence to Help Prove a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Greenville, SC
In premises liability claims, the types of evidence that can be pivotal to building your case often encompass a variety of elements. This often includes video footage capturing the incident, photographs documenting the scene, detailed statements from eyewitnesses who can recount their observations, and medical records providing insight into the extent of your injuries. We can take on the responsibility of collecting and preserving this critical evidence on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Photos and Video Footage
When accident locations are equipped with security cameras, our slip and fall attorneys will work to ensure that any footage captured by these devices is preserved. Property owners who are negligent and responsible for your injuries might have this pertinent footage. Still, they will be motivated to erase or overwrite recordings to eliminate evidence in any lawsuits that might be filed against them. To mitigate this risk, our attorneys can formally request the footage, signaling to the property owner that we know its existence and reminding them that destroying evidence relevant to a case is a serious offense. We will request a subpoena to secure the footage so that it can be used in your case.
If no cameras are available to record the incident, pictures might still be taken after the accident that can be submitted as evidence instead. Victims should capture images with their phone of the accident scene and the dangerous conditions that led to their trip and fall, which will provide them with the visual proof they need to prove their claims. If you cannot take photos yourself because of your injuries, ask bystanders and first responders to assist in documenting the scene.
Witness Statements
When a slip and fall incident occurs in a restaurant, retail store, or other typically crowded place, witnesses will likely be present. It is crucial to identify these individuals and reach out to them for interviews as soon as possible. Eyewitnesses’ memories will fade over time, and some might not be able to be found later, so we must act quickly to preserve their statements.
We should focus on getting eyewitnesses’ immediate accounts of the incident, its causes, and your injuries at the scene. This will assist us in establishing causation in your case, which is a critical component of all personal injury claims that connect the other party’s negligence with your injuries. Waiting too long can mean losing out on important details that can tip the scales in your case.
Medical Records
Our attorneys will need to gather all medical records related to your injuries from the incident and those from previous accidents that might play a role. Thus, you should seek medical attention right away after the accident. Any delay in treatment can complicate proving that your injuries are directly linked to the accident on the defendant’s property. To make this process easier, we can handle the requests for documents from hospitals and healthcare providers as you receive them, ensuring that our records stay organized and complete.
Along with collecting medical records detailing the extent and nature of your injuries, we will carefully compile medical bills outlining the costs of your treatment. This documentation is vital to evaluating your damages accurately so you get the compensation your case deserves. It allows us to present a clear and accurate picture of the financial impact your injuries have had on your life and the pain and suffering you have endured.
Call Our Greenville, SC Slip and Fall Attorneys for Help with Your Claim Today
For a free case evaluation from our slip and fall lawyers, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (803) 219-4906.