Slip and Fall Intake Procedures: Preserving Evidence Early

Slip and fall cases present unique intake challenges because evidence can disappear quickly. The hazardous condition that caused the fall may be cleaned up or repaired within hours. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within days. Witness memories fade rapidly. An effective slip and fall intake process prioritizes immediate evidence preservation alongside standard information gathering.

Time-Sensitive Intake Actions

When a potential slip and fall client contacts your firm, the intake process should immediately identify whether time-sensitive evidence exists. Did the incident occur at a business with security cameras? If so, a preservation letter should be sent within 24 hours. Are there photos of the hazardous condition? If not, can the client or a representative return to the location to photograph current conditions? Were there witnesses who have not yet been contacted? These questions should be front and center in your intake workflow, triggering automated tasks for evidence preservation.

Beyond evidence preservation, your intake form should capture details about the property owner, the specific condition that caused the fall, whether the client reported the incident to the property owner or manager, any incident reports that were filed, the client's footwear at the time, and their medical treatment timeline. Premises liability cases often hinge on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard, so any information about the duration of the condition is particularly valuable.