It is an unfortunate truth that there may be dangerous conditions present in a place as seemingly safe as a department store. So if you ever experience a slip and fall here, you must collect documents for your personal injury claim, like a copy of the store incident report. Read on to discover how a store incident report can help your personal injury claim and how one of the experienced Panama City slip & fall accident attorneys at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you in obtaining this.
How can a store incident report help my personal injury claim?
Essentially, a store incident report is helpful if you are considering pursuing legal action via a personal injury claim. This is because the contents of this report entail the type of incident that occurred (i.e., a slip and fall), the date and time of your incident, and arguably most importantly, a brief summary of how your incident occurred. Within this summary, a department store owner or manager may admit fault or otherwise provide a description that points to their negligence in maintaining the property. This information may ultimately be the basis of your argument for your claim.
It is in your best interest to request a copy of this report while you are still at the department store. You may also request the department store owner or manager send a copy of this report to their insurance company immediately. If they are unwilling to meet your request, then you may call department store security or your local law enforcement to the scene. They may help you explain to the department store owner or manager that this may be a company policy of theirs.
What other documents can help my claim?
A store incident report alone is not enough to satisfy your burden of proof. In addition, it is recommended that you collect the following pieces of documentation:
- A copy of the police report that was conducted by a law enforcement officer at the scene of your incident.
- A copy of the surveillance camera footage that captured your incident.
- Photos and videos that capture your injuries, damages, and the scene of your incident.
- Doctor’s notes that report the severity of your injuries from your incident.
- Medical bills that show the cost of your treatments since your incident.
- Past pay stubs that show your lost wages since your incident.
- Oral or written statements made by witnesses present at the scene of your incident.
- Oral or written statements made by loved ones about how your injuries have diminished your quality of life.
The first step to take in your legal action is to make a phone call. Without further ado, pick up the phone and contact one of the skilled Panama City personal injury attorneys from Manuel & Thompson, PA today.
