Sterling Heights is a busy city in Michigan. With many stores, restaurants, and public places, accidents can happen when property owners are not careful. One common accident is a slip and fall. If you fall and get hurt on someone else’s property, you may have a legal case.
A Sterling Heights premises liability attorney can help you understand your rights and collect the evidence needed to win your claim. But to prove your case, you need more than just your word. You need key evidence that shows how the fall happened, who was at fault, and how badly you were hurt. Let’s take a closer look at the most important types of evidence in a slip and fall claim.
1. Photos and Videos
Pictures and videos are some of the best pieces of evidence. If you can, take photos right after the fall. Show the area where you slipped—such as a wet floor, icy sidewalk, loose carpet, or broken tile. Try to get close-up and wide shots.
If there are security cameras nearby, they may have recorded the fall. A lawyer can help request this video before it is deleted.
2. Accident Report
If the fall happened at a business, ask to fill out an accident report. Most stores or buildings have forms for this. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and details of what happened. Ask for a copy of the report, too.
This report indicates that the fall really happened and creates a written record.
3. Witness Statements
If anyone saw your fall, obtain their name and contact information. Witnesses can help confirm your story and explain what they saw. They may have noticed a hazard before you fell or heard you ask for help afterward.
Witness statements can be compelling when proving who was at fault.
4. Medical Records
If you experience an injury, please visit a doctor promptly. Even if you don’t feel pain at first, it’s smart to get checked. Some injuries take time to show up.
Keep all your medical records, including:
- Doctor visits
- X-rays or scans
- Medications
- Physical Therapy
These records show how serious your injuries are and how they’ve affected your life.
5. Proof of Time and Place
You also need to prove that you were at the location when the fall happened. Keep receipts, parking tickets, or appointment confirmations that show you were there.
If you were shopping, keep your store receipt or photograph your cart. These small details can help build a strong case.
6. Evidence of Negligence
To win a slip and fall case, you must show that the property owner was careless. This is called negligence. You’ll need proof that the owner:
- Knew about the danger and didn’t fix it
- Should have known about it
- Didn’t warn people (like using a “wet floor” sign)
Sometimes a lawyer will hire an expert to help prove this part of the case.
Why a Lawyer Helps
Slip and fall cases can be tricky. Property owners and insurance companies may try to blame you or say the injury wasn’t serious. A liability attorney knows how to collect the right evidence and fight for your rights. They can handle the paperwork, talk to witnesses, and work to get you fair compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Slip and fall claims need strong evidence to prove what happened.
- Photos, videos, accident reports, and witness statements are very helpful.
- Medical records show how the injury affected your health.
- You must prove the property owner was careless.
- A skilled premises liability attorney can help collect the right evidence and strengthen your case.