Slip and fall accidents are probably the most common types of accidents in a supermarket. Generally, these supermarkets are kept clean and tidy and if something spills on the ground, then a member of staff is sent to clear it up or clean a messy floor up. When this basic maintenance or good management fails to materialize, then slip and fall accidents occur more often.
If you are injured in a supermarket, and the injuries are due to poor management you may be able to claim compensation by filing a personal injury claim with the supermarket’s insurance provider. A successful claim can help pay any medical bills you face together with compensation for lost earnings and a payment for the pain and suffering experienced. You may find that any such claim will be processed faster with the help of a personal injury attorney.
How Soon Should You Settle?
Generally, attorneys advise filing a personal injury claim as soon as your injuries and any associated treatment allow you to do so. This is because the accident is fresher in everyone’s mind and it is easier to find the necessary amount of evidence that can help prove that the store was at fault. In somewhere like a supermarket, this usually means finding people who saw you have an accident and can provide a useful corroborating statement.
You do have a time limit on personal injury claims. This varies somewhat from state to state, but tends to be either 2 or 3 years from the date of the injury. Other than that, you can expect that your claim could still take several weeks, or more like several months, before any kind of decision will be made one way or another.
Why You Should Take Your Time to Settle
There is little point in rushing a claim, despite the statute of limitations putting a time limit on the filing of a claim. It is far better to spend some time preparing a claim properly and thoroughly rather than rushing off a claim that doesn’t have enough documentation to support the damages you are claiming.
The key documentation that should be made available with any well presented personal injury claim includes the following:
- Convincing proof that the store management or one of its employees failed to provide a safe environment for its customers and that this failure was the cause of your injury;.
- A medical report from your doctor giving details of your injury and the treatment necessary;
- Any documentation from a hospital or other medical institution that shows the treatment you received from them;
- Invoices showing how much you have had to pay out for because of your injuries. This would include medical bills; evidence of any lost pay or other earnings and any future expected costs associated with any more long term or serious injury.
How an Lawyer Can Help
Because a well prepared claim is more likely to succeed, you are well advised to contact a personal injury attorney about your accident before filing a claim. The attorney can advise you about the likelihood of your claim succeeding and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. To consult with a lawyer, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Aldi, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
