The strength of your Missouri slip-and-fall case comes down to evidence. Insurers and defense lawyers know that without documentation, even serious injuries can be minimized or denied. This checklist covers the proof you need to preserve right away after a fall to protect your claim.
Scene Photos and Hazard Documentation
People Also Ask: “What should I photograph after a slip-and-fall?”
- Wide shots of the accident scene (sidewalk, store aisle, parking lot).
- Close-ups of the hazard (ice, spill, broken tile, loose railing).
- Lighting conditions (poor visibility often strengthens liability).
- Weather conditions if ice or snow contributed.
- Timestamped images or video from your phone.
Photos freeze the hazard in time before property owners “fix and deny.”
Witness Statements and Contact Details
Eyewitnesses make your case more credible. Collect:
- Full names, phone numbers, and addresses.
- Short written or recorded statements of what they saw.
- Employees who admit the hazard was reported before your fall.
- Other customers or tenants who nearly slipped on the same hazard.
Independent witnesses counter defense claims that the accident was your fault.
Medical Records and Injury Journals
Medical proof ties the fall to your injuries:
- ER and hospital records, surgery notes, imaging results.
- Prescriptions, therapy, and rehab logs.
- Doctor’s notes about long-term restrictions or permanent damage.
- Photos of your injuries, including braces, stitches, or other medical appliances.
- Injury journal: daily entries about pain, mobility issues, missed activities.
Insurers discount “invisible” pain unless it’s documented consistently.
Property Maintenance and Inspection Logs
Maintenance records show whether the owner acted reasonably:
- Janitorial schedules for spills and wet floors.
- Snow/ice removal logs, including salting and sanding.
- Elevator or stair inspection reports.
- Repair invoices showing hazards were ignored.
If logs show gaps—or are “missing”—that often supports liability.
Preserving Evidence With a Spoliation Letter
A spoliation letter is a formal notice to the property owner or insurer requiring them to preserve all evidence, such as:
- Security video of the fall.
- Incident reports created by staff.
- Work orders, maintenance logs, or internal emails.
If they fail to preserve evidence after receiving notice, courts may sanction them or allow a jury to assume the missing evidence was unfavorable.
Quick PAA Answers
What evidence is most important in a slip-and-fall case?
Photos, witness statements, medical records, and maintenance logs are key.
Should I get witness info after a fall?
Yes. Contact details and short statements strengthen your case and credibility.
How do medical records help my claim?
They connect your injuries to the fall and prove treatment costs and long-term impact.
What if the property owner won’t turn over records?
Your lawyer can send a spoliation letter requiring preservation of logs and video.
Do maintenance logs matter in an ice slip?
Yes. Missing or incomplete snow/ice removal logs often prove negligence.
Build Your Case With UB Law Firm
Slip-and-fall cases are won or lost on evidence. UB Law Firm will:
- Gather and preserve photos, logs, and medical proof
- Send spoliation letters to secure key documents and video
- Use experts and witnesses to strengthen liability and damages
Call 573-677-9862 or request a free consultation today. We’ll secure and protect the evidence needed to maximize your Missouri slip-and-fall recovery.
