How to Document Your New Jersey Slip and Fall Case
Many people don’t know what to do after a slip and fall accident. Or they may feel silly for “hurting themselves” by falling down on public or private property. But the truth is that these kinds of falls – and the injuries resulting from them – are extremely common. And they’re not always the fault of the people who suffer them.
Property owners everywhere are responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment for the people they invite onto their property. If you happen to fall while on land owned by another person or company, here’s how you should document your experience so you can make it more likely you’ll receive compensation for any injuries or damages you suffer.
5 Ways to Document Your Slip & Fall Claim
As any New Jersey slip and fall injury lawyer will tell you, you should do at least five things to properly document your fall:
- Photograph the scene of the accident: Take a lot of pictures of the place in which you fell. Capture any obstacles or hazards that may have contributed to your fall. Slip and fall cases in New Jersey are often caused by icy surfaces, so make sure to photograph any snow or ice on the ground that might have tripped you up.
- Make notes of the accident: Write down where you fell and why. Use as much detail as you can and make these notes as soon as possible after the incident. Sign and date the notes and keep them safe. Don’t alter the document later. If you want to add to it, use another document.
- Collect witness contact info: If anyone sees you fall, get their names and contact information (phone number, address, and email address). Their observations can be crucial if your case proceeds to trial.
- Keep a running record of the impact of your injuries: As the days, weeks, and months pass, keep an accurate record of how the injuries you suffered are affecting your life. Consider financial, emotional, physical, and other practical consequences of the incident. A daily journal or a habit of keeping voice notes on your phone can be very helpful for this.
- Keep all medical records and receipts: Do not discard any medical information, including medical records, receipts for payment for medical services, insurance information, appointment slips, and anything else related to treatment you receive for injuries suffered during your fall. New Jersey slip and fall injury attorneys may require this documentation to advance your claim.
Can you Sue for a Slip & Fall?
You can absolutely sue for damages suffered as the result of a slip and fall in New Jersey. It’s extremely important to find an experienced New Jersey slip and fall accident lawyer who has dealt with this kind of case before – and to do so as quickly as possible after the incident. Feel free to check out our Slip and Fall page for more detailed information.
Mazie Slater Slip and Fall Injury Lawyers are Here for You
At Mazie Slater, we have extensive experience helping people get justice and compensation for injuries and losses they’ve suffered because of other people’s negligence. If you’ve experienced a fall that’s impacted your life in a negative way, give us a call as soon as possible. We offer free consultations to help you better understand your rights and the options available to you. Contact us today!