Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, and when they do, the results can be life-altering. In many cases, these accidents happen because someone failed to fix a dangerous condition on the property or didn’t warn people about it. In those cases, the property owner may be responsible based on what the law calls negligence.
When someone doesn’t take reasonable care to prevent harm, they act negligently. In a Missouri slip-and-fall case, proving negligence is how you show that the property owner should be held responsible for your injuries. To do so, you must have strong evidence.
Types of Evidence You Can Use
There are several types of evidence that will help you build a strong case. These include:
Photos and Videos of the Scene
Pictures really can speak louder than words. If you’re able to take photos or videos right after the fall, they can show exactly what caused your injury, like a wet floor with no warning sign, a broken step, or an icy sidewalk. These images freeze the moment in time and can be powerful proof of the hazardous condition. If security cameras were nearby, ask if footage is available. These videos may show the conditions leading up to your fall or prove that the hazard was there long enough for someone to fix it.
Witness Statements
If someone saw you fall or noticed the hazard before or after your accident, their story can help back up yours. Witnesses might be employees, other customers, or even friends or family members who were with you. Their statements add weight to your version of what happened and can help show the hazard was real—not just a mistake or misunderstanding.
Accident Reports
Some businesses or properties create accident reports when someone gets hurt. If you report your fall to a manager or property owner, ask for a copy of this report. It may include important details like the time, place, and what was said at the scene. Be honest and clear when reporting the incident, and do it as soon as you can.
Medical Records
Seeing a doctor after a slip-and-fall isn’t just about your health—it also helps your case. Medical records link your injury directly to the fall. They describe the type of injury, how serious it is, and how it’s being treated. These records show that your injury is real and can help demonstrate the physical and financial impact the fall has had on your life.
Proof the Property Owner Knew or Should Have Known
In Missouri, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and didn’t fix it in time. That’s a key part of proving negligence. You might be able to show this by using:
- Maintenance logs that prove no one cleaned or inspected the area
- Past complaints from other people who noticed the same hazard
- Timing evidence that shows the danger existed long enough for someone to notice and fix it
For example, if you slipped on a spilled drink in a store aisle and it had been there for over an hour, the store probably should have cleaned it up already.
Your Own Notes
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember. Where you were, what you saw, who you talked to, and how you felt. Memory fades over time, and these notes can help keep the details straight.
Slip-and-Fall Cases Are About More Than Just the Fall
If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall and think the property owner didn’t do their part to keep you safe, The Hayden Law Firm St. Louis Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help. Call our slip and fall accident attorney today for a free consultation.
