If you’ve recently been involved in a slip and fall accident, you might be feeling confused, frustrated, or worried about how to move forward. The pain from your injury may be difficult enough to deal with, but on top of that, you may be wondering how to prove your case and hold the responsible party accountable. As an injured person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process, but the good news is you don’t have to face this journey alone. Here at Murray Law Firm, we understand what you’re going through and are here to help you every step of the way. We will guide you through this complex legal process and work toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Property Owner’s Responsibility in a Slip and Fall Case
In Oklahoma, as in many other states, property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors, whether they are guests, customers, or other invited persons. If you are injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you may have grounds for a slip and fall claim. But establishing negligence requires more than simply showing you were hurt. To prove the property owner’s negligence, you must provide compelling evidence that demonstrates their failure to maintain a safe environment, which directly led to your injury.
Property owners are obligated to regularly inspect their property and take reasonable steps to address any dangerous conditions. If they fail to do so, and you’re injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. But proving negligence requires more than just showing you were injured. To hold the property owner accountable, you’ll need to gather the right evidence.
What Type of Evidence Is Needed?
Gathering the right evidence is crucial in building a strong case. There are several types of evidence that can help establish a property owner’s negligence in a slip and fall accident. These pieces of evidence will show whether the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition, failed to fix it, or did not give adequate warning of the hazard. Below are the most important types of evidence you will need to build your case.
James V. Murray
Attorney with Over 40 Years Experience
Photographs of the Hazard
One of the most important pieces of evidence in a slip and fall case is clear documentation of the hazardous condition that caused your accident. Photos can show the exact location of the hazard, how it contributed to your fall, and whether the property owner had a chance to address it. If you can take pictures immediately after the accident, this will be helpful in showing the condition of the property at the time of your injury.
If you are unable to take pictures yourself, someone else can do it for you. Photographs taken after the accident should capture the full scope of the hazard, whether it was a wet floor, broken pavement, or any other unsafe condition. The more detailed the pictures, the better your chances of proving your case.
Maintenance Records and Property Inspections
Another important piece of evidence is the property’s maintenance and inspection records. If the property owner has a history of regular inspections and maintenance, you may be able to show that the hazard existed for a period of time before the accident and that the owner had an opportunity to fix it. However, if the records show the property owner failed to inspect or repair the hazard, this could strengthen your claim of negligence.
For example, if you slipped on a wet floor in a store and there is no record of the owner checking the floor or mopping up spills, this might indicate they were negligent in maintaining a safe environment. If the property owner failed to maintain proper maintenance logs, this could also be used to show their negligence.
Mr. Murray and his team were very professional and helpful throughout this process. As my case was very unique, I knew I was going to need a very specific and special team to help me through this. My wife and I prayed about it and God led us to Murray Law Firm. During the first consultation I requested he pray with me about it and he was quick to agree and that is when I knew we had made the right decision. They went above and beyond our expectations and won the case. I would highly recommend this firm.”
- Roger Buchanan
The Murray Law Firm worked wonders for me and my needs. James Murray along with his staff are so helpful, understanding, and answered all my questions and concerns. James was able to work his magic and get things done in such a timely manner. James even made his self available by phone after hours when I was in such need. He put not only mine but my whole families worries and concerns at ease. Would highly recommend James Murray to anyone searching for a very good attorney!"
- Tiara Rich
Jamie is personal yet professional. He can put you at ease and make you feel safe and secure. He will be at your side through this most difficult time in your life and will keep you informed about what is going on in your case and what you can expect. His staff is always ready and willing to do everything the can to help you. Highly recommended."
- Alicia Mayfield
Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to your accident, their statements can be powerful evidence. A witness can testify to what they saw before, during, and after the fall, which may provide valuable insight into the conditions that led to the accident. Witnesses can also testify to the actions or inactions of the property owner in maintaining the premises.
For example, a store employee may testify that they saw the spill on the floor but didn’t clean it up in a timely manner. Another witness may confirm that the hazard had been present for some time, and the property owner should have known about it. Having reliable witnesses who can confirm your version of events can be key to establishing negligence.
Surveillance Footage
In many public spaces like stores, shopping malls, or office buildings, there may be surveillance cameras that captured footage of your accident. Surveillance footage can serve as strong evidence in a slip and fall case because it shows exactly what happened at the time of your accident. This footage can provide proof that the hazard was present and that the property owner was either aware of the condition or should have been.
Related Videos
Personal Injury Representation
Car Accident Representation
If the property owner’s surveillance cameras captured the fall, they may also show the condition of the floor, the surrounding area, and whether proper safety measures were taken. If you believe there is surveillance footage of your accident, it is important to act quickly to ensure that the footage is preserved.
Incident Reports
After an accident, the property owner or their staff may create an incident report. This report may contain details about the accident, including the location, time, and a description of what occurred. If you were injured at a business, the property owner or their employees may have filed an incident report.
Requesting a copy of this report can provide important insight into how the property owner responded to the incident. It may contain admissions of fault, such as acknowledging the hazard or noting that the issue had been reported but not addressed. Incident reports are often critical in understanding how the property owner managed the situation after your fall.
Medical Records
Your medical records will play an essential role in showing the extent of your injuries and how they were caused by the slip and fall. These records can document your injuries and link them directly to the accident. Medical records also show the steps taken to treat your injuries, which can support your claim for compensation.
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after a slip and fall accident, not just for your health, but also to establish a clear connection between the fall and your injuries. Delaying medical care can weaken your case because it may suggest that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.
How to Proceed with Your Case
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, the next step is to contact a qualified attorney to help you with your case. If you’re uncertain about the process or unsure if you have enough evidence to support your claim, our team at Murray Law Firm is here to assist. We understand that navigating through a slip and fall case can be challenging, but with our guidance and experience, we can help you build a strong case.
Our team will work with you to collect all the relevant evidence, speak with witnesses, and gather any additional documents that may be necessary. We’ll handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident and believe that the property owner’s negligence played a role in your injury, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out to us at Murray Law Firm, the sooner we can begin building a strong case to help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand the emotional and physical challenges you may be facing, and we are here to fight for your rights. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on your recovery.
