Falling down for whatever reason at the very least causes embarrassment. Unfortunately, many falls are immediately followed by an injury or two. From a sprained wrist to a fractured hip, slipping and falling down can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills. The problem with slips and falls is many of the accidents can be prevented, especially when it comes to wet floors. For retailers, slips and falls represent one of the most serious safety concerns.
More Common Than You Think
As the second leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States, slip and falls happen more often in retail stores than in any other type of business. The retailer has at least one aisle devoted to selling beverages ranging from soda to energy boosting sports drinks. A case falls from one of the shelves and several bottles explode with liquid. A short delay in cleaning up the mess can lead to a customer accidentally slipping and falling on the hard store floor. Falls are the most common reason for traumatic brain injuries. If you have suffered an injury caused by a slip and fall, you might be eligible to file a claim to seek monetary damages.
Factors Determining the Validity of a Personal Injury Claim
You can file a claim for a slip and fall injury through an insurance action or a personal injury lawsuit. In both cases, a licensed personal injury lawyer will guide you through the legal process. The primary reason for filing a personal injury claim is to request compensation for lost wages and the money spend on medical expenses. However, you need to answer several questions to ascertain whether you have a valid personal injury claim.
- Were there any eyewitnesses?
- Did an employee quickly place a “Wet Floor” sign over the wet area?
- How soon after the liquid appeared did an employee start moping the floor?
- Was the floor in a high-traffic section of the store?
- Was the liquid clear or was it easy to see?
Actions to Take after a Slip and Fall
If you suffered an injury from a slip and fall, you must take action right after the accident to ensure you have a fighting chance to win a claim against the retailer. The first order of business is to consult with a physician to learn about the severity of your injury or injuries. Your doctor should give you paperwork that demonstrates the number of injuries, as well as the seriousness of each injury. Then, you file an accident report that includes the medical documentation you need to proceed with filing a claim. The last step involves working with an experienced personal injury attorney to see if you have enough evidence to file a claim.
Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
You cannot expect to win a battle of minds when you face the legal team employed by Dollar General, or any other big brands' legal team. This is the most important reason to consult with an accomplished personal injury attorney. Second, your lawyer will know exactly what documents to file with the court and when to file the documents on time. Finally, a personal injury lawyer has the skills to negotiate the most favorable terms of a personal injury settlement.
*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 Dollar General or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
