The type of evidence that you must gather depends on the type of slip and fall accident you have suffered. Generally, you can split slip and fall cases into the following categories: 

  • Slips on foreign substances (such as snow or ice)
  • Falls on staircases
  • Slips on floors or thresholds 

In cases relating to foreign substances, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the substance and the area immediately after your fall. If you don’t have photos of the conditions, it’s basically your word against the word of the property owner, and it’s up to judges or insurers to decide whether or not they believe you. There are other methods of proving the presence of the hazardous substance, but this is definitely the easiest, most sure-fire way to improve your chances of recovery. 

In cases relating to falls on stairs, the type of evidence you need depends on the cause of your fall. It’s not as critical to take pictures immediately after your accident in these cases, though it can definitely help. What’s more important is whether there are any design or maintenance issues with the staircase. These issues could include a lack of handrails, handrails at the wrong height, improper depth of stairs or worn/broken stairs. 

When you suffer a fall on a floor or threshold, the case will likely proceed similarly to a case in which you fell on the stairs. Your team will examine the condition of the floor and look for cracks, breaks, lips in doorways, raised areas and more. 

If you suffer a slip and fall injury, speak with the Maryland personal injury attorneys at Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A. for legal representation as you pursue a claim.