Suffering a slip and fall accident could mean facing serious injuries, financial hardships, and emotional trauma. When it happens at an Airbnb, you have the right to seek financial compensation against those at fault. That is not always easy to do. Evidence becomes a crucial part of the process.
At Kwartler Manus, our Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyer can help you determine what compensation you deserve and who should pay it. Set up a free consultation to learn more.
Types of Evidence in a Slip and Fall Accident
Evidence is critical to demonstrating two key factors:
- That thThe value of your injuries and implications for your futuree Airbnb host or Airbnb itself was at fault for your injuries
As you work with an Airbnb personal injury attorney, they will guide you in finding evidence to support both areas. We encourage you to take action as soon as possible by calling an attorney. Doing so protects you from disputes if evidence remains available.
Evidence to Support Fault
To determine who is at fault, your attorney and the insurance company look at all factors that establish negligence. That includes showing that the party owed you a duty of care, they failed in that duty of care, they caused the accident, and you suffered injuries from it. To support these claims, seek evidence such as the following after your accident.
Photos of the Accident Scene
The most important element of proof you can have is a photo that shows what caused your fall. In an emergency situation where you have serious injuries, you may not have thought about taking photos. However, when it is possible, do so. Some photos that can be helpful include:
- Clear photos that show where the accident took place
- The cause of the accident, such as uneven steps or a broken handrail
- An extensive look at any contributing factors, such as up close views of the deteriorating structure
- Photos of the surrounding area, including any debris present from the fall
- Photos of your injuries and how you fell
These details help to establish the cause of the fall. It is much harder for a company to refute that the injury took place on your property when there is clear evidence to demonstrate that through visual proof. Take photos after your accident, even if you got medical care before doing so.
Emergency Medical Reports
Heading to the hospital emergency room or local urgent care right after the accident also helps. It allows you to demonstrate that your injuries are in direct relation to the property. Your medical discharge information should include the time and date of what occurred, your report of what took place, and information about the injuries you suffered.
If you wait to get help, this can make it harder to prove that the injuries stem from the Airbnb location. That is why, even if you feel okay, you should still seek care at a treatment center right after your accident.
Witness Statements
There may be people who saw what occurred. It is a good idea to get their name and contact information. This could include people who were with you at the time or those passing by who may stop to help you.
If possible, ask these individuals to provide a short, recorded statement of what they saw. They can also provide you with a description that you write down. In all cases, your personal injury attorney will want to speak to you about what you experienced.
Video Surveillance Images
There may be times when the court will require that Airbnb provide any video evidence it has that showcases what occurred. For example, many locations have video cameras on doorways to provide security. Those cameras may catch what happened to you if you believe that to be the case, include it in your claim.
Evidence to Support Your Losses
In addition to providing evidence to prove fault in your accident, you also need evidence to support the claims for the losses you have. This may include documents that show economic costs, like receipts, as well as non-economic losses. Some examples might include:
- Medical bills that show what your care costs where
- Receipts for any out-of-pocket costs
- Statements that show you missed work
- Statements from family and friends about the pain and distress you are in
- Emotional trauma treatment reports that demonstrate the impact of your losses
- Costs related to future care
Your attorney will gather evidence to support these claims. It is not always simplistic to do so, especially when considering long-term financial losses. Their experience can make a significant difference in proving these losses and recovering fair compensation.
Let Our Airbnb Personal Injury Attorney Help You
After a slip and fall accident at an Airbnb, it can seem like no one wants to believe you. We are here to help you get what you deserve. Contact Kwartler Manus today for a free, no-risk consultation to review your rights and find out what your claim may be worth. We offer a wide range of tools to bolster your recovery.