The strength of a slip and fall case hinges on the quality and credibility of the evidence demonstrating that a landlord, property owner, or property manager failed to uphold their legal duty of care. Eyewitness testimony can offer an impartial account of the conditions and events leading to the fall. Additionally, expert witnesses play a critical role in establishing liability and causation. Together, this evidence forms the foundation for proving negligence and securing compensation.
If another party’s negligence has hurt you, contact us at The Salamati Law Firm to speak to a Los Angeles slip and fall lawyer. We can provide an overview of accident liability and explain when expert testimony is needed for a successful legal claim. We are results-oriented personal injury attorneys eager to pursue civil actions arising from negligence and look forward to hearing from you.
Types of Witnesses in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit
Eyewitnesses can provide crucial testimony regarding the circumstances of your slip and fall, including the condition of the premises and how the incident occurred. It is generally the responsibility of the injured party—or a friend accompanying them—to obtain the contact information of any bystanders who witnessed the event.
Expert witnesses are licensed professionals who hold specialized knowledge in their field. For instance, a medical expert can testify about the nature of your injuries and your long-term prognosis.
Other expert witnesses may include:
- Building Inspectors: These experts can testify about violations of local building codes or safety regulations and explain how the property owner’s failure to maintain the premises may have contributed to the hazardous condition that caused the fall.
- Vocational Experts: If the injury results in long-term or permanent impairment, vocational experts assess how the limitations affect the victim’s ability to return to their previous job or engage in gainful employment. Their testimony supports claims for diminished earning capacity.
- Economic Experts: When ongoing or lifelong care is necessary, economic experts calculate future financial losses, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other long-term care needs. Their projections help establish a full and fair valuation of the claim.
An insurance company may try to discredit both eyewitnesses and expert witnesses by challenging their credibility, suggesting bias, or questioning their qualifications. They might argue that an expert’s conclusions are speculative or claim an eyewitness had an obstructed view, a faulty memory, or a personal connection to the injured party that compromises their objectivity.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Salamati Law
Since 1995, we have successfully taken on some of the most complex, challenging personal injury cases with excellent outcomes. Our veteran lawyers have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in slip and fall lawsuits.
If you were seriously injured in a slip and fall, you need the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer at Salamati Law. We will explain the role of expert witnesses in a slip-and-fall trial and fight for your right to recover compensation for your losses. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
