How to Document a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents happen far too often. These dangerous accidents are often the result of conditions on the job and of commercial property owners and managers who fail to keep their premises in the reasonably safe condition necessary for the safe passage of their guests, visitors, customers, and clients. If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured in a slip and fall accident, seek the professional legal counsel of an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer today. 

Gather Information at the Scene

One of the most important things you can do after being injured in a slip and fall is to gather information and evidence at the scene of the accident. If you are seriously injured, however, you should skip immediately to obtaining the medical attention you need and trust someone at the scene, such as a bystander, eyewitness, or another person in your party, to gather information on your behalf. 

Some information that might be important for your case includes:

• Photos and/or Videos of the Accident Scene – Take copious pictures and videos that document the site where your slip and fall accident took place (from every angle) and include any mitigating circumstances that might have precipitated the accident, such as a tripping hazard, a puddle of water, or anything else.
• Photos and/or Videos of Your Injuries – Document your injuries both immediately and over time.
• Eyewitness Testimonies – Gather statements and contact information from eyewitnesses at the scene.
• Shoes/ footwear- it is important to preserve the footwear or shoes you were wearing at the time of the fall in a condition as close to the time of the fall as possible. If you are involved in a slip and fall don’t clean your shoes after the fall, stop wearing the shoes immediately and put them aside in a box or a plastic bag a soon as you can to preserve their condition.

Preserve All Evidence

Do not inadvertently throw away or wash away evidence from your slip and fall accident. If your shoes and or clothing, for instance, were damaged or dirtied in the fall, preserve them as they are. They could contain information – such as traces of a substance or liquid that caused the floor to be more slippery – about what caused you to fall. 

Seek Medical Attention

Slip and fall accidents can be deceptively dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. If you’ve taken a fall of any magnitude, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, the doctor can help rule out any silent injuries or injuries that are slow to present with symptoms, but that become more serious over time. Keep all of your follow up appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully – it is the right thing to do for your health and the right thing to do for your personal injury claim.

Don’t Wait to Consult with an Experienced Tampa Slip and Fall Attorney 

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, one of the most important steps you can take is to consult with a dedicated personal injury attorney. The accomplished Tampa personal injury attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos have the impressive reserves of experience, resources, and legal insight that you need, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 for more information today.