Photographs of the scene helped a 75 year old Missouri woman with her personal injury claim against a major retail store in Columbia.
Generally the first thing on your mind after being injured is not a possible lawsuit. You are most likely in pain, confused and possibly even embarrassed. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is always the first priority but if circumstances allow try and take a few photos on your own or instruct someone else to. A picture alone may provide proof of exactly who is liable for your accident.
Once you decide that you would like to fight for your entitled compensation the first step is to retain a Missouri personal injury lawyer who has a proven track record of success with suits similar to yours. They are going to ask you a lot of questions regarding the accident and ask for a list of documentation. It may seem at first to be unnecessary but rest assured that they are looking to get you the full amount you are entitled to.
The paperwork you will be asked for should include, but may not be limited to:
- Copies of all medical bills and list of which of those have not yet been paid
- A copy of your complete medical file including dictations as well as any recommendations for mental health counseling
- Admittance and emergency room records
- Copies of the results of each medical procedure that was performed on you, including such tests as CT scans and blood work
- Mileage calculations for travel to and from all of relevant healthcare facilities
- Witness statements from the scene and their contact information
- Your own insurance policies
- Any estimates done on property damage
- The Police accident report
- Any and all correspondence from the defense including their insurance company
- Photographs of the accident scene and any vehicles, or equipment that may have attributed to your injury
- Photographs of your injuries taken as quickly as possible after the accident occurred
While taking photos of your injuries take care not to smile, wear makeup or excessive jewelry. Take multiple shots from many different angles with at least one that shows the whole person. Make sure that shots are taken of any casts and braces as well as surgical sites. Zoom in and out to show the injury as well as its position on the body.
Missouri Slip and Fall Case
Photographs of the scene helped a 75 year old Missouri woman with her personal injury claim against a major retail store in Columbia. The elderly woman slipped and fell in the cosmetics aisle which caused her to suffer a hip fracture. Later, due to an infection that did not allow the injury to heal properly, she had to have the entire hip replaced. The initial eyewitness to the accident reported that there was nothing on the floor to cause a fall and that the plaintiff admitted that her shoes were slippery. Photographs of the scene taken by employees showed that there was an array of eye pencils strewn on the floor. One month before going to trial the parties agreed to a $200,000 settlement.
Missouri Slip and Fall Lawyer
Whenever you are injured outside of your home be sure and document as much information as possible and seek the counsel of a Missouri personal injury attorney. All evidence is relevant and the slightest proof of a discrepancy may help you receive total compensation.
