When someone slips and falls in a store, one of the biggest challenges is proving the store knew—or should have known—about the hazard that caused the injury. Property owners and businesses in Florida are required to keep their premises safe for customers. But simply getting hurt isn’t enough to win a claim. We have to show that the store either created the danger or failed to take action to fix it. Our Hollywood, FL slip and fall lawyer can use such a fact to strengthen your case!
Looking At Store Maintenance Records
One key piece of evidence can be cleaning or inspection logs. These records show how often employees check the store for spills, debris, or anything else that might lead to an accident. If the store has no record of regular checks, or if the logs stop hours before the fall happened, that could show they weren’t doing enough to keep the area safe. Our slip and fall lawyers can use records to hold property owners accountable.
We can also look for patterns in how the store responds to issues. If employees wait too long to clean up spills or never mark wet areas with signs, that history matters.
Gathering Witness Statements
People who were nearby during the fall can help tell the full story. Shoppers, employees, or even other victims may have seen the hazard before the fall happened. If someone says the floor was wet for a while, or that an employee walked past without cleaning it, those statements can be very useful in building the case.
Even brief comments like “I almost slipped there earlier” can make a difference. We try to get contact information at the scene, but video footage can also help identify witnesses. With decades of experience, our team knows there can be many ways to approach a case.
Requesting Surveillance Footage
Many stores have security cameras running 24/7. Video footage can show how long a hazard was present, whether anyone tried to fix it, and if employees ignored the problem. This kind of visual evidence often speaks louder than any report or statement.
It’s important to act quickly—some stores only keep footage for a few days. When someone contacts us soon after an injury, we can send a letter requesting the store preserve any video that may relate to the fall.
Checking For Prior Incidents
Sometimes a store has a history of similar accidents. Past incidents can show the store was already aware that a certain area was risky. If other people slipped in the same spot due to a leaking freezer or uneven tile, that strengthens the case that the store should have taken steps to fix it.
We look into these reports through public records, insurance claims, or internal documents, if they become available during the legal process.
Why Timing Matters
The sooner we start gathering evidence, the better. Hazards get cleaned, footage gets erased, and memories fade. Quick action helps preserve key details that show the store had time to respond but didn’t. You should also take into account the statute of limitations as waiting too long can harm your chances of a settlement. At Loshak Law PLLC, our experienced attorneys have successfully won several cases, including slip and falls. Call us today to see how we can help!
