Slip & Fall Accidents: 3 Ways to Identify Slippery Liquids That Caused the Accident
Posted on: 21 November 2016
Slip and fall accidents are prevalent in the U.S. While some slip and fall accidents will only result in minor bruising or a bit of pain, 1 in 5 slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones or even a head injury. If you sustained a severe injury, you are entitled to sue for compensation from the party responsible for causing the accident. This is especially true if you slipped on an unknown liquid substance. Here are 3 ways you can identify the liquid that caused your accident.
Use Photographs of Possible Culprits at the Scene of the Accident
Depending on where you slipped and fell, you might already have a good idea of what the liquid might be. For example, if you slipped at an auto shop and see barrels of gasoline in the nearby vicinity, there's a good chance that the liquid is gasoline. You can use common sense to make a reasonable deduction. However, to support any deductions you might have, you'll need to collect evidence.
Take photographs of the scene of the accident with a strong focus on the origin of the liquid. Take several photographs of containers containing similar looking liquids. You want to photograph not only the content of the containers, but also any labels that are stuck on the outer surface.
If you can clearly tell where the liquid originated from, take photographs of the trail of liquid leading to the origin. If you are physically unable to take photos due to your injuries, ensure someone else you trust takes these photos.
Collect Testimony from Employees or Other Professionals
Just because you don't have a good idea on what the chemical composition of the liquid you slipped on may be, it does not necessarily mean that other people don't know. After slipping, an employee or another professional nearby might tend to your injuries and might give you some idea of what the substance is. If possible, you can ask the employee or the professional to testify on your behalf. Keep in mind that some employees might be hesitant in doing so, as there might be a conflict of interest.
This is where video evidence can come into play. After the accident, start recording what everyone around you is saying. Someone might slip up and reveal what the liquid is, as well as where it came from. Your attorney might be able to submit this video as evidence in court.
Examine Results from a Laboratory
Take a sample of the liquid or substance that caused you to slip. In the event that you can't determine what the liquid is, your slip and fall attorney might recommend sending the sample in for testing at a laboratory. This will reveal the identify of the liquid that cause you to slip. From there, your attorney can determine whether there is a party that can be held responsible for the accident. For example, the party might be responsible for cleaning the site of the accident.
In the event that a sample is sent to the laboratory, you will also need to provide a sample to the parties that you are suing. They have a right to conduct their own testing.
You should definitely let your slip and fall attorney know if your accident was caused by an unknown liquid substance. Your attorney will provide you with some recommendations on how to identify the liquid and whether the liquid can be submitted as evidence in court. They will also help you determine how to use the evidence to strengthen your case. For more information or assistance, visit resources like http://www.putnamlieb.com.
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