Top 10 Questions to Ask a Slip and
Fall Accident Witness

Slip and fall accidents in California

How to Increase the Value of Your Case

with Good Questions from the Beginning Slip and falls are one of the most frequent sources of serious personal injury in America. Whether the premises are a grocery store, an apartment complex, a hotel lobby or a simply a badly maintained sidewalk, these accidents, which often lead to catastrophic results, fractured bones, traumatic brain injuries, permanent disability.

You may be the victim of a slip and fall injury on someone else’s property and if too long goes by before you find a witness to the accident then you may not be able to collect on your slip and fall injury if it should go all the way to court. At Beverly Hills Injury Firm we know just how important collecting impactful statement from witnesses is as quickly as you can.

Here are 10 of the best questions to ask if you’re a witness to a slip & fall incident, This way, you can make sure you’re fully prepared when you speak with your attorney and are able to make sure you are compensated the most possible.

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#2. Where Were You at the Time of the Accident?

Knowing where the witness was physically at the time of the collision helps us to establish how reliable his or her view of the scene was. If they were standing next to you and had a clear view, their testimony will hold a lot of weight in court or when you’re negotiating a settlement.

#3. Did You See Any Hazards Prior to Your Fall?

This question is getting at the reason you are injured. If a witness observed a spill or torn carpet or loose tiles or other hazard on the floor before your fall, it adds to your argument that the dangerous condition was indeed present and obvious, obvious in the sense that the property owner knew or should have known about it, but didn’t remedy the situation.

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#4. Did You Notice Any Employees or Staff in the Vicinity?

If the injury occurred in a business, a witness might have observed employees who knew of or walked by the danger without doing anything about it, demonstrating a lack of care. Or if staff answered after the fall, the witness can attest to how quickly and appropriately they did so, offering context to your claim for injury.

#5. For How Long Was the Hazard There?

Perhaps more important in premises liability is to prove the property owner or management possess sufficient time to repair or warn of the dangerous condition. If a witness saw the spill or obstruction minutes, or even hours, before your fall may be enough to support your claim that the danger was not addressed.

#6. Was There Any Sign of Warning Displayed?

Was there any “wet floor” sign? Cones? Barricades? If the witness verifies that there were no warnings, then your assertion that the property owner did not give reasonable notice of the hazard is supported and they are held legally responsible.

#7. Did You Witness or Hear the Victim in Pain?

If people witnessed you fall and heard you cry or struggle afterwards, this can help you prove the seriousness of your injuries. Suffering, inability to stand or obvious pain all help confirm the fact that you were legitimately injured, and that you weren’t faking it.

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#8. Did You Capture the Event on Video or Camera?

Inquire whether the witness recorded any visual record of the scene, the hazard or your injury. Occasionally, passers-by will capture a few quick photos or a video clip that can offer compelling, time-stamped evidence of conditions that might later be cleared away or manipulated.

#9. Was There Any Other Discussion About the Dangerous Condition?

Occasionally, other customers or pedestrians will tell me about the hazard prior to or after the incident. If a witness overheard these conversations, it can help prove that several people noticed the danger, which makes the inaction of the property owner even more damning.

#10. May I have your number?

This is perhaps the most important question. Ask the witness for their:

Name (first and last)

Phone number

Email address

and advise them that your attorneys may follow up. Without their information, even the most precious eyewitness testimony would be gone forever.

Navigating the Legal Process

Witness Testimony and Your Slip & Fall Case

Insurance providers and property owners readily minimize injuries or deflect responsibility onto the injured individual. They may claim:

You weren’t paying attention
The hazard was clearly marked
You’re exaggerating your injuries

A good witness can shut those arguments down by confirming the conditions, your conduct and the harm you suffered. A “neutral” outsider can be seen as possessing a greater credibility, as such they are often perceived to possess a certain credibility which the victim, standing alone, does not.

What to do when you slip and fall
To maximize your recovery of full compensation:

Seek immediate medical attention

Inform the Property Owner or Manager

Snap clear photos of the scene and the extent of your injuries

Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all witnesses

Call a qualified personal injury attorney at the Beverly Hills Injury Firm Now!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip & fall accident, you do not have to face the legal system by yourself. Here at Beverly hills injury firm, we are ferocious fighters who will stop at nothing to hold negligent property owners responsible and ensure that you get the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Allow our acclaimed legal staff to maneuver your case through every step. We will look into the accident, speak with witnesses, and develop a strong case for you.

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Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY

Meet Shawn Mangoli

“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”

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