When you enter a commercial property, you’re entitled to a certain level of safety and security. It’s the property owner’s responsibility to provide an environment devoid of hazardous conditions.
So what happens if you’re injured in a store? Do slip and fall accidents in retail stores justify personal injury claims? How do you know if you have a valid case?
We’re here to help you answer all of these questions. Keep reading for a quick guide on what to do if you’re injured in a department store, grocery store, or any other type of retail store.
Report the Incident to the Store Manager or Owner
Store injury claims must be documented at the site of the incident. In a retail store, this means reporting your accident to the manager or store owner.
This will force them to file an incident report that will be kept in the business’s official records. It’s important to file this documentation to back up the details of the incident, such as time, date, location, and other circumstances.
Get Checked Out by a Medical Professional
Personal injury claims that carry the most weight are those that have official medical documents to back them up. As soon as you can, make an appointment with your doctor to have your injuries officially examined. Their diagnosis and expert evaluation will help support your case.
Just as importantly, you need to know exactly what your injuries are. For example, you might think you only sprained your ankle, when in reality, you may have torn a tendon or worse. If you’re pursuing financial compensation, you need to know the full extent of your injuries.
Document Evidence of Your Accident and Injuries
After being injured in a retail store, you need to collect as much evidence as possible to support your personal injury claim. Most businesses have legal representation that will do everything they can to protect their client from a lawsuit. You must have evidence to prove you were injured on their property due to their negligence.
Some examples of evidence include:
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the scene of the incident
- Security camera footage
- Witness testimonies
- Medical documents
- A written statement (by you)
- And more
The more evidence your attorney has to work with, the more likely you are to win your case.
Reach Out to a Slip and Fall Attorney
Finally, successful personal injury cases demand expert legal guidance. You need to reach out to the best law firm to find an attorney as soon as possible. Find a lawyer who specializes in slip and fall cases to represent you.
They can help you determine how much your settlement is worth and what evidence you need to validate your claim. Just as importantly, they can guide you on what to do and what not to do leading up to your settlement and/or trial.
Fortunately, most personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee. They only get paid if you get paid. This is a policy that ensures everyone has access to professional legal counsel.
Do You Need to Know About Personal Injury Claims?
If you’re looking for more information about personal injury claims, we highly recommend sitting down for a free case evaluation with a slip-and-fall lawyer. They can tell you everything you need to know about how to proceed.
And for more insightful tips and advice, read through some of our other blog articles while you’re here. Our website was created to help people like you find answers to all of life’s questions.