Grocery stores often present an ideal scenario for slip and fall accidents. Food can spill in aisles, grocery store staff members regularly mop the floors, and parking lots present their own risks. Instead of waiting until a slip and fall accident occurs, many clients want to know what to do if they slip and fall in a store.
We have prepared a brief guide explaining the liability of grocery store owners in slip and fall accidents and what to do if you suffer injuries in a slip and fall. If you have other questions to want to know how we can assist with your case, contact Silva Injury Law today.
How Helen G – Retiree & Grandmother of 7 – Earned a $600K Settlement After Suffering Broken Bones Caused by a Trip and Fall. Read Helen’s Story→
Who Is Responsible For Grocery Store Slip & Fall Cases?
Slip and fall cases, a form of a premises liability claim, arise when someone suffers injuries on another person’s property as a result of that person’s failure to adequately maintain the premises. In other words, grocery store owners owe customers and other patrons a duty of care to keep the premises in a reasonably safe condition. If the store owner or manager does not keep the premises in a reasonably safe condition, and you suffer injuries as a result of that failure, you could hold the store owner liable for your damages. Conditions that often result in grocery store slip & fall cases include:
- Food and drink spills,
- Obstructed pathways,
- Slippery surfaces without warning signs, and
- Unsafe parking lots.
If you can establish that the store owner’s negligence caused your injuries, you can recover damages to help you cover the costs that you incurred as a result of the accident. Even though this type of case is referred to as a slip and fall, you do not have to actually suffer your injuries by slipping and falling to the ground. Falls occur in a variety of ways. If the fall resulted from a property owner’s negligence and caused an injury, you could qualify to bring a slip and fall claim.
What Should I Do If I Slip And Fall In A Store?
Falling down is typically unexpected, but can happen to anyone. If you slip and fall in a grocery store, embarrassment might tempt you to leave the store immediately and never look back. However, this can negatively affect any potential premises liability claim you have. Instead, take the following steps.
Notify a Store Owner or Manager
After suffering injuries in a slip and fall, you should inform the store manager about the fall. If a certain condition, like a food spill, caused your fall, you should point it out to them. Keeping the fall a secret will not enhance your chances of financial recovery. If you want to document the fact that you advised the store manager of the fall, you can take a video or obtain a written statement.
Document Circumstances Surrounding the Fall
A crucial part of proving a slip and fall claim revolves around the circumstances that caused the fall. You want to make sure that you provide clear evidence of what happened. You can document the scene by taking photos and videos of where you fell. You should try to do this as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the store manager might fix the condition that caused your fall, leaving you without proof.
Get Medical Attention
After you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, you need to document your injuries. Otherwise, you might experience issues proving what damages you suffered. You can document your injuries by going to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic. The medical records from your visit will help establish proof of the injuries you suffered and the costs you incurred.
Contact a Slip & Fall Lawsuit Attorney at Silva Injury Law
If you suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, do not wait until the last minute to contact a personal injury lawyer. We can offer valuable advice garnered from our years of representing injured victims. Our team will give you the compassionate support you need, while still offering sound legal recommendations. We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights, but to solve problems. Contact us today so we can review your case.
Find Out How We Can Help
At Silva Injury Law we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. With each case tailored to the individual, we look our for your best interests by evaluating your unique circumstances. Contact us today for a FREE in person or remote consultation.