Shopping in a grocery store is a routine errand. You grab food for your household, see familiar faces and get on with your day – unless your shopping trip involves a slip-and-fall accident. Slip-and-falls are sadly common accidents, and grocery stores are often full of hazards, such as spilled beverages and freshly mopped floors.
But if you get hurt in a grocery store, you may not need to handle all your medical bills out of your own pocket. You may be able to get compensation by suing the store. This is because of the fact that any business that welcomes the public onto its property has a duty to keep customers safe. Here are some actions you should take after a grocery store injury.
File a report
Make sure the manager, store owner or property owner knows about the accident. Ensure that there is a creation of a written report, since a verbal report may be more difficult to prove in court. Ask for a copy of the accident report before you leave the premises.
Document every detail
It is crucial to gather the names and contact information of any possible witnesses, including fellow shoppers or employees. Witness statements can bolster your legal claim if you decide to pursue one. Additionally, take pictures of the location, including any hazardous conditions.
Get medical treatment
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in various minor to severe injuries. In fact, slip-and-fall accidents result in over 1 million emergency room visits per year, says the National Floor Safety Institute. Whether you get a sprain or bone fracture or any other type of injury, make sure you see a doctor. The sooner you receive treatment, the better. Additionally, the creation of medical records will be critical pieces of evidence in a legal claim.
If you slip and fall in a grocery store due to negligence, you deserve to seek compensation.