A slip and fall accident in a retail store can turn your life upside down in an instant. If a negligent property owner caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, there are several things you need to do to protect your rights and recover that compensation.
This quick guide from Gill Law Firm offers everything you need to know about your rights after a slip and fall, what you can do to strengthen your claim, and the legal help available to you.
What Counts as a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall is an accident that occurs when someone slips or trips due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. Such a fall can result in serious injuries. In retail stores, hazardous conditions might include:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Spilled drinks or food left uncleaned
- Uneven flooring or broken tiles
- Cluttered aisles or merchandise blocking walkways
- Poor light that obscures hazards
These situations fall under premises liability law. These laws allow you to hold store owners or managers responsible when they fail to maintain a reasonably safe environment for customers.
Your Legal Rights as an Injured Customer
Retail stores are legally obligated to keep their premises free of dangerous conditions. That means regularly inspecting the property, promptly fixing hazards, providing adequate lighting, and warning customers about dangers that can’t be repaired right away.
If a store fails to meet its legal obligations and you get hurt, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Recovering compensation and holding the store owner accountable requires you to show that your injuries were caused by their negligence, and then show how your injuries have impacted your daily life and finances.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
Proving property owner negligence requires substantial evidence. In cases involving retail stores, that evidence might include:
- Photos and videos showing the hazard that caused the accident
- Incident reports filed with the store manager
- Witness statements from other shoppers or employees
- Surveillance footage that captures the accident or unaddressed hazard
- Medical records connecting your injuries to the incident
- Maintenance logs that show the hazard was not adequately addressed
While you may be able to gather some of this evidence on your own, preserving and obtaining things like surveillance footage or maintenance logs often requires the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Protecting Your Rights After a Slip and Fall
Your actions after a slip and fall accident can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim. Be sure to:
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention: Seeing a doctor right away will ensure your safety and create critical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
- Report the Incident: Inform the store manager of the accident and request that they create a written incident report.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident scene and the hazard, and gather the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Be Careful When Talking to Insurers: Insurers want to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Avoid speaking with them until you’ve consulted an experienced attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: A skilled lawyer can investigate your claim, preserve and gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, negotiate for maximum compensation, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact one as soon as you can.
Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall in a retail store, you need a seasoned personal injury attorney to protect your rights. The team at Gill Law Firm can review your case for free and inform you of your legal options. If you choose to pursue your claim, we’ll fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.