When you go onto store property, it is only normal to expect that the property is free from obstacles, well-maintained, and cleaned. If the dollar store is negligent and it causes you to suffer a slip and fall, then they are liable for the damages that you suffered in the incident. You will need to pursue a personal injury claim to get compensated for the losses that you incurred because of the fall. You will need to prove the store is liable – which means that you must show all four elements of negligence have been met.
The first element is to show that the dollar store has a duty or a responsibility, which they do. They must keep their premises safe to prevent slip and falls. Next, you will need to show that duty was breached. If there was a spill on the floor and they left it unattended for an hour – not cleaning it up or putting out a wet floor sign – they breached that duty. When they breached that duty, it caused you to fall because of the liquid on the floor. You then suffered damages from the fall that was caused by the breach of duty.
How Much is a Settlement Worth?
There are several things given consideration when reaching a settlement or getting a judgment after a personal injury claim with the dollar store. All your damages are reviewed. Here are some common damages claimed in a personal injury claim for a slip and fall at any store:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Long-term disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Property damages – such as broken eyeglasses
You will need to maintain documentation to support your claim, such as photos of injuries, a copy of any accident report, prescription receipts, medical bills, medical records, estimates for property damages, and so forth. A journal that tells your daily limitations and pain levels on a day by day basis can also be helpful.
Determining Your Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering don’t have a set monetary value, so determining the value of your pain and suffering claim can be challenging. Your attorney will have to use a multiplier, which ranges from 1 to 5 based on the severity of your injuries and damages. All your medical bills are added up – including future medical costs. Then, based on your injury, they are multiplied with a number to determine your pain and suffering. As an example, if you suffer a break a bone your multiplier will be a higher number, such as 3, but whiplash might only warrant a 1 or 1.5.
Each claim varies significantly, so you need a personal injury lawyer to help you.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a slip and fall in a dollar store, you need to consult with a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have the details of your claim reviewed by a local accident injury lawyer today!
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*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 Family Dollar or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
