Unexpected injuries can take a huge toll on a person. With medical bills, treatment plans, lost wages during recovery time, and general distress from the process, it can be difficult to get back on your feet.
If you were recently injured while shopping at Burlington Coat Factory, or any other department store, then it may be wise to file a personal injury claim.
If the company is found responsible for your accident, it may be required to provide compensation for your injury.
Potential Hazards at a Department Store
Like any department store, shopping at Burlington Coat Factory is supposed to be a satisfying, relaxing experience. However, like any store, mistakes are always possible. These mistakes can lead to potentially accident-causing hazards, such as:
- Slippery floors. Department stores and restroom floors are cleaned regularly for their customers. If floors aren’t dried properly, or if “wet floor” signs are not displayed, then it is easy for customers to to be injured in a slip and fall.
- Obstructed walkways. Especially during holidays or weekends, stores can be packed with shoppers looking to take advantage of sales. This often leaves the walkways by clothing racks filled with discarded clothes or other items that can quickly become tripping hazards if they aren’t reorganized by an employee.
Regardless of how you were hurt, it is always worth investigating to see if you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
How to Begin Your Claim
Your personal injury claim will start with a demand letter to the store’s insurance. In the letter, you must include:
- a statement of what happened, in detail, before and during your accident
- evidence supporting your claim, such as photos from the scene or statements from other customers/employees
- your requested compensation
- medical bills, doctor notes, test results, hospital records, and prescription receipts to support your compensation request
When organizing your letter, it is important to remember that the department store will only provide compensation if you can prove that the accident was their fault. Any and all evidence you can include to help prove this will be especially helpful.
In Case of Deposition
After filing your demand letter, the store's insurance will handle their own investigation of your in-store accident. Even with a perfectly-composed claim, the company may want to question you further or get an official statement from you on-record.
This is typically done during a deposition, where you will meet with the store's attorneys in front of a recorder who take official out-of-court notes. Should this occur, simply state the facts and answer questions thoroughly and honestly.
If you feel uncomfortable with any questions, you can always speak to an attorney.
Speaking with a Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury attorneys are far less intimidating than they sound. Especially during depositions or in court, attorneys can help you to build a strong case, defend your position, and negotiate with the company to get you the best compensation possible.
Fill out the Free Case Evaluation above to have your claim looked over by a personal injury attorney that takes cases in your area to see if their assistance could make a difference in your case.
Additional Resources
*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 Burlington Coat Factory, or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
