If you slip and fall in a grocery store, the incident could become more than a minor inconvenience. Such an accident could lead to bruises, sprains, fractures and wounds that cause costly medical bills.
In fact, over 1,000 people call 911 for falls every week in Arizona. Also, the Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition reports that people falling led to $1.8 billion in hospital costs.
However, when you slip or trip and fall due to another person’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your losses. Discover what to do after you slip and fall in a grocery store to protect yourself and your case.
1. Get to a Safe Spot After Suffering a Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store
You should avoid moving too much after you slip and fall in a grocery store, especially if you suspect you suffered head trauma. However, grocery store aisles have lots of customers and employees moving about.
If you fall near the end of an aisle, at the entryway or in the front of the doors of the stockroom, you typically want to move nearby to an area with less foot traffic to avoid further injury. Definitely try to get to a safe spot if you slip and fall in the grocery store parking lot, where vehicles are traveling.
2. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, you should get a medical evaluation. Some types of consequences take time to display outwardly. A prompt examination protects your case because it allows you to draw a direct connection between the accident and your wounds.
3. Report the Accident
Alert the manager on duty about your accident. This individual should create an incident report, and you should request a copy for your records.
Don’t say anything suggesting the accident was your fault. Simply recount what you experienced. You might even limit your comments to saying, “I slipped and fell in your grocery store.”
4. Document and Save What Happened
Write down everything you can remember about the incident as soon as possible after you slip and fall in a grocery store. Helpful details include what you were doing right before you slipped and how you lost your balance. Describe how you felt afterward, particularly any type of pain, disorientation or confusion.
Also, make sure you don’t lose your notes. Your smartphone can be a big help in this regard. Consider creating a document file and saving it in a secure, private cloud so you can add details whenever you remember them.
You should also take photos and videos of the scene or get a companion to do so. Take pictures of the area around where you fell and give special attention to anything that caused you to slip, such as liquid, torn carpet or a broken tile.
Try to clearly capture the area from different angles. You might also show the lighting or any lack thereof and what the weather was like. Additionally, get clear images and videos of your fresh injuries.
5. Find Witnesses
If others witnessed you slip and fall in the grocery store, kindly ask for their contact information. You might also request a brief statement about what they saw.
6. Contact Our Lawyers Who Handle Slip-and-Fall Accidents in the Grocery Store
Whether you can gather many or few details and evidence after you slip and fall in a grocery store, reach out to our team at Sargon Law Group for help pursuing compensation. We assist accident victims throughout Maricopa County, including Chandler, Goodyear, Gilbert and Queen Creek.
Our Phoenix slip and fall accident attorneys can help you with investigating the incident further and filing paperwork. We also help you answer key questions you may have, such as the following.
What Are My Rights After I Slipped and Fell in the Grocery Store?
If you slip and fall in a grocery store at any location in Arizona, you have the right to pursue compensation through a legal case. That includes collecting evidence and getting the assistance of an attorney. You do not have to accept the first offer of an insurance settlement.
While you should report the incident to store associates or their insurers, you do not have to sign anything to support their version of what occurred. In fact, you should avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company. If you wish, our lawyers can communicate on your behalf.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Slip and Fall Grocery Store Accident?
You can recover damages for specific medical bills, property damage and lost income you suffered. You can also claim noneconomic losses for your pain, suffering and mental anguish due to slipping and falling in the grocery store.
How Long Do I Have To File My Claim?
After you slip and fall in a grocery store, you only have two years to submit your personal injury claim. However, you shouldn’t delay collecting evidence and working with our competent legal team because you could lose valuable evidence.
7. Continue To Take Care of Your Health
You can only claim damages for the consequences that directly result from slipping and falling at the grocery store. If you suffer because you don’t follow treatment protocol, you won’t be able to recover those expenses. Support your recovery and claim by managing your health.
8. Don’t Comment on the Case
Insurance companies and the defense team will try to do whatever is possible to minimize the extent of your injuries or make you appear liable. Your social media accounts could work against you during this time, as the defense could twist your comments or photos to discredit you. If you temporarily set your online accounts to private settings, you can further protect your case.
Contact Us at Sargon Law Group if You Slip and Fall in the Grocery Store
Trying to get justice after you slip and fall in a grocery store may involve negotiating with a large corporation’s legal team and insurance firm, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Talk to our team at Sargon Law Group for compassionate and effective representation. We know how to handle slip-and-fall accidents in a grocery store and will work tirelessly to help you win your case.