Grocery store slip-and-fall accidents happen more often than you think. Items can spill and pose tripping hazards for customers. Employees may clean the floor but fail to warn others that the surface may be wet and slippery.
No matter what causes you to take a tumble in the supermarket, make sure you avoid these crucial mistakes. Use the information below to protect your personal injury claim, should you decide to take legal action.
1. Not Speaking Up
Before leaving the premises, make sure you report the incident to a manager. Ask them if you can complete an official accident report. This document outlines the important details about the accident.
It’s always a good idea to speak with anyone who witnesses your fall, such as other shoppers or employees. Ask for their contact information and their account of what happened. Witness statements could come in handy later if you choose to file a premises liability claim.
2. Not Gathering Evidence From the Scene
Witness statements may help support your claim, but what if no one else is around when you fall? It’s up to you to gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos of the area as well as any visible injuries, such as cuts or bruises.
Consult a legal professional for assistance. They may be able to access the store’s surveillance footage and submit it as evidence.
3. Delaying Medical Treatment
Grocery store slip-and-fall injuries can be serious. However, if you don’t see a doctor right away, an insurance company may downplay the severity of your injury. Compensation is never a certain outcome when filing a claim, but delaying medical treatment could affect your chances of receiving a financial award.
Failing to seek treatment can also impact your overall health and recovery. Receive a comprehensive exam to diagnose common slip-and-fall injuries like:
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Soft tissue damage
4. Speaking to an Insurance Adjuster
Say you slip on a wet floor with no warning signs nearby. When you file a claim with the building’s insurer, an adjuster asks you to provide a recorded statement. In your statement, you mention falling on the wet floor and the injuries you sustained, but you never mention the lack of signage.
While you might not intend to leave out that detail, an insurance adjuster could see it as reason to deny the claim. It’s wise to consult with an attorney before providing any information to insurers. A personal injury lawyer could communicate on your behalf.
5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Perhaps you can provide substantial evidence of the staff’s or owner’s negligence. The building’s insurance policy covers the store owner’s responsibility to pay damages via a settlement offer. Should you accept it?
After a grocery store slip and fall, you may feel tempted to accept the first offer and move on. However, the initial amount may not adequately reflect your losses. Partner with a personal injury attorney who can assess your damages and negotiate the settlement.
It’s possible that the insurance company may agree to a counteroffer. You could potentially miss out on a larger payout if you accept the first offer without negotiating.
Review Your Case With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
A grocery store slip and fall could leave you with steep medical bills and the inability to work. Is it possible to seek compensation for your losses? Turn to Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers for the answer.
We assist clients with premises liability claims, aiming to hold negligent parties accountable. To discuss your options, contact us today at (855) 521-4406.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What should you do immediately after a slip and fall in a grocery store?
A: Report the incident to a manager, complete an accident report, and gather evidence like photos and witness contact information.
Q: Why is it important to see a doctor right after a slip and fall?
A: Prompt medical treatment ensures your injuries are diagnosed and documented, which helps prevent insurance companies from downplaying the severity of your injuries.
Q: Should you accept the first settlement offer after a grocery store slip and fall?
A: It’s often wise to consult an attorney before accepting a settlement, as the initial offer may not fully cover your losses, and negotiation could lead to a larger payout.
