October 15, 2020 Slip, Trip, or Fall Chris Stolmeier

Records To Keep After A Slip and Fall

Accident Records

• Pictures. Pictures are one of the most important records to keep after a Slip and Fall. Pictures are powerful evidence that can strengthen your Slip and Fall claim. It is important to take these pictures immediately after a Slip and Fall because it will best show the scene of the accident at the time the accident occurred. Once you leave the scene the property owner, manager, or employees will clear the area and it becomes more difficult to show a jury how the accident actually happened. It also allows the defense to contradict what you testify to and the pictures that were taken later because those pictures do not actually depict the scene of the accident at the time it occurred. Pictures that are taken immediately after a Slip and Fall are difficult to contradict.
  • Pictures that should be taken include:
    • Pictures of the hazard you Slipped, Tripped, or Fell on
    • Pictures of the surrounding area to show if the accident occurred in a highly walked area, or if there were mats or warning signs around
    • Pictures of your clothing to show where you made contact with a slippery surface

• Witness Information. Witnesses’ information are important records to keep after a Slip and Fall. Witness contact information can help support and develop your case. Witnesses are important because they are independent people who do not have an interest in your Slip and Fall claim. Additionally, a witness has personal knowledge of the accident because he saw or heard the the accident occur. A witness who can help corroborate your allegations will further strengthen your likelihood of winning your case.
  • Witness information and records to keep after a Slip and Fall:
    •  Witness names
    • Witness phone number
    • Witness address

• Accident Journal. After a Slip and Fall it is vital to remember what happened because opposing lawyers will try to find any inconsistencies in your account of the accident. In order to help you remember what happened before, during, and after the accident you should create a written accident journal as soon as possible after the accident. This accident journal will help you not only remember what happened, but prevent opposing lawyers from tripping you up during questioning.

Medical Records

Medical records are just as important as accident records when discussing what records to keep after a Slip and Fall. Medical records will show the injuries you sustained from the Slip and Fall as well as the treatment you received for your injuries. These medical records will also contain receipts that show the cost of your medical treatment. These receipts are important because Stolmeier Law will use them in your claim for damages against the at fault party. Additionally, your healthcare provider may ask you how you suffered your injuries. This evidence can be used to show how you were injured.

• The medical records that you should request or that you should give Stolmeier Law the permission to request include:
  • Medical Intake Records
  • Emergency Medical Records (Ambulance, EMT, etc.)
  • Emergency Room Records
  • Operating Room Records
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Any Imaging (X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, etc.)
  • Prescription and Medication
  • Physical Therapy
  • Healthcare Provider’s Notes
  • Referrals to Specialists
  • Names of Healthcare Provider’s Who Treated You
  • Medical Receipts

Contact Stolmeier Law

Stolmeier Law is a family owned and operated law firm. We have been serving Slip and Fall and other personal injury victims in San Antonio and South Texas for over 35 years. Unlike other firms, we will not treat you as just another case number. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you against high priced defense lawyers to maximize your compensation. So if you or a loved one has suffered life changing injuries in a Slip, Trip, or Fall, Call Stolmeier Law, San Antonio’s Slip and Fall Lawyers. Let this family fight for you.