What Evidence Do You Need for a Slip, Trip or Fall Injury Claim?

This is often the first piece of evidence showing:

• the accident occurred
• where and when it happened
• what was reported as the cause
• who was notified

If you can't obtain a copy, write down:

• who you spoke to
• what they said
• the reference number (if given)

2 Photos and video of the hazard (critical)

Ideally captured on the day, showing:

• wet floor / spill
• uneven flooring
• broken steps or loose handrail
• damaged tiles / loose mats
• poor lighting and visibility
• any missing warning signs

3 CCTV footage

CCTV can show:

• the fall itself
• how long the hazard existed
• whether warning signs were present
• whether staff inspected or cleaned the area

Many systems overwrite footage quickly (sometimes within days). That's why early action matters — a solicitor can request it promptly.

4 Witness statements

Witnesses can confirm:

• the hazard existed
• there was no warning sign
• the area looked unsafe
• your fall and immediate symptoms

Even staff witnesses can sometimes help, especially if they assisted you or acknowledged the hazard.

5 Medical evidence

Your medical records help prove:

• injury type
• symptoms and severity
• treatment required
• prognosis and recovery time

This typically includes:

• A&E / urgent care notes
• GP records
• physio or consultant records
• prescribed medication history

A solicitor may also arrange an independent medical assessment to support the claim valuation.

6 Footwear and clothing evidence

Sometimes the defendant argues footwear caused the fall. Evidence can help counter this:

• photos of the shoes
• the shoes themselves (kept safely)
• clothing damaged in the fall (kept)

This is especially helpful if you were wearing normal footwear and the hazard was clearly the primary cause.

7 Evidence of financial losses ("special damages")

Collect:

• wage slips / employer confirmation of time off
• sick notes (fit notes)
• receipts for treatment and medication
• travel receipts (taxis, parking)
• invoices for care or support
• proof of cancelled bookings/events (where relevant)

8 Evidence of impact ("pain diary")

A simple diary helps show:

• pain levels
• mobility issues
• missed activities
• sleep disruption
• anxiety about walking or returning to certain places

This is especially useful in soft tissue and head injury cases, where symptoms vary.

9 Inspection and cleaning logs (sometimes obtainable)

In some cases, solicitors request:

• cleaning schedules
• inspection logs
• maintenance records
• staff rota / staffing levels
• training records

These can help establish whether reasonable safety checks were carried out — a key part of negligence.