Accidents can happen anywhere, even in places we visit daily. This happens to more people than you’d think. In fact, slip and fall incidents account for over 1 million hospital visits in the US, and make up for 12% of total fall incidents (CDC). If you’ve been injured while shopping, it’s crucial to know your rights and take the appropriate steps to protect yourself legally and financially. This guide will walk you through the essential actions to take after being injured at a store.
Prioritize Your Health: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
To start off, your health is the top priority. If you sustain an injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention as fast as possible. Even if the injury is seemingly minor, it’s crucial to get a professional evaluation because many injuries don’t display symptoms until much later. If a medical professional can detect the injury before it starts to cause pain and discomfort, you will be in for a much more comfortable recovery. If you delay medical attention, it gives the defense an opportunity to claim that something happened in between then and the time of the accident is at fault for the injury. Additionally, having a medical record of your injuries will be vital if you decide to pursue a legal claim. It is strongly advised to maintain a detailed record of all your medical treatments, expenses, and any other costs related to the injury. This information will be crucial when calculating the damages you may be entitled to in a legal claim.
Report the Incident: Notify Store Management Promptly
As soon as possible, report the incident to store management or a nearby employee. Typically, it is protocol for the company to create an incident report outlining the specific details of the accident which is vital for you to obtain. Provide the employee with a thoroughly detailed account of what happened including the precise location, time, and any contributing factors. Ensure that your report is accurately documented in writing and request a copy for your records. This is one of the most important pieces of evidence to gather. If the store manager or employee fails to create an accident report, document all of the details on paper with date and time stamps. Most stores have a protocol requiring that the employee take photos of the area and preserve any video that may have caught the fall. These pieces of evidence, or the employee’s failure to abide by this protocol, can provide crucial evidence in any future case.
Gather and Preserve Evidence: Crucial Steps for Your Case
The collection and preservation of evidence can make or break your case. You should gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos of the area where the incident occurred, including any hazards that may have caused your injury. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information, as their statements could be crucial in establishing the facts and validity of the case. Keep any evidence related to your injury, such as clothing or footwear, in its current state as it can be very important if you need to demonstrate the conditions at the time of the incident. Take note of any security cameras in the store and inform the store management that you expect the footage to be preserved. Security camera footage can serve as valuable evidence in establishing the sequence of events.
Handling Settlement Offers: Caution and Legal Consultation
If the store’s management or insurance company approaches you with paperwork or a settlement offer, do not sign anything without consulting with your attorney. Signing documents without understanding their implications may jeopardize your rights and potential compensation. A personal injury attorney can provide legal guidance on whether you have a valid claim and how to proceed. They are also there to back you up and handle the correspondence between the other parties so everything is handled professionally and in your best interest. The Harrell Law Firm offers free consultations, so you can explore your options without financial commitment.
Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney: Your Legal Advocate
Being injured at a store can be a distressing experience, but taking the right steps can help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries. By seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, gathering and preserving evidence, and consulting with a reputable personal injury attorney, you can navigate the legal process more effectively and work towards getting the legal justice you deserve.
Free consultations, like those offered by The Harrell Law Firm, enable exploring options without financial commitment. For expert legal guidance and a free consultation, contact The Harrell Law Firm today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve
Take Action Now: Secure Your Rights and Compensation
Don’t delay in seeking the justice you deserve. Contact The Harrell Law Firm today for a free consultation and expert guidance in pursuing your claim. Your rights matter, and we’re here to help you through this challenging time.
Kenneth M. Harrell
Founder, Harrell Injury Law
