Does My Accident Qualify for Compensation?
To see if your accident may be eligible for repayment, we must first understand “negligence”. Negligence is the legal way of saying a party is at fault for an accident. If a store is found to be negligent in your accident, then it will be their responsibility to pay for all damages and injuries you received.
Because there are so many ways to shop at a grocery store, there are a variety of accidents that can be made. Maybe an employee is cleaning the restrooms and forgets to put up a “wet floor” sign in the hall, resulting in a nasty slip-and-fall.
Maybe you’re shopping in the clothing section when a new display that was not properly supported falls and hurts you. Regardless of how your accident occurs, if it is the fault of the supermarket or its employees, then you could qualify for compensation.
How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim?
Personal injury claims are filed by writing a demand letter to the defendant's insurance company. In this letter, you will explain:
- the accident itself
- how you were injured
- why you believe the accident is Meijer’s, or any established supermarket's responsibility to cover
- the amount you are requesting in compensation
For each of these topics, you must provide as much evidence as you can to support your claim. Even accidents that are obviously the result of Meijer’s, or any established supermarket's negligence cannot be one if you are unable to provide strong evidence of their mistakes.
One of the best forms of evidence you can provide is photographs. Pictures of the site where your accident occurred, especially if it demonstrates how your accident occurred, can be crucial.
Pictures of your injuries can also be useful to demonstrate damage and provide clues to how the accident happened.
What Do I Do Once the Demand Letter is Filed?
After filing your demand letter, the best thing you can do is be patient. The defendant will need to review your statement and do their own analysis of the accident before discussing terms or compensation with you. If they request a deposition, you may need to answer questions about yourself or the incident out-of-court so they can further understand the situation.
If this occurs, just remember to answer truthfully and thoroughly, and you should soon hear back with a decision on your case.
Benefits of a Personal Injury Attorney
Even in strong cases, it is not uncommon for your first attempt at compensation to be denied. If this happens, it may be best to consider speaking with a personal injury attorney. They can analyze your case and help strengthen your argument as you prepare to try again.
When in court, attorneys can argue intelligently on your behalf and ensure you are asking for appropriate compensation for your troubles.
Schedule a free consultation with an attorney in your area to see if their help may be right for you.
*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 Meijer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
