When you make a trip to the grocery store, you expect to come home with a cart full of food, not an injury. But slip and fall accidents can happen in a grocery store, and how you react to the situation can determine whether you are compensated for medical bills and lost wages when the negligence of the store causes the accident. Take the following steps if you are injured after slipping in a grocery store:
Take Photos of the Accident Site
Most people have cell phones with cameras now, so use yours to take photos of the area where you slipped. It is a good idea to take wide shots of the general area, as well as close ups of any spilled liquids or damaged flooring. These photos can serve as important pieces of evidence when it comes to settling your case.
Immediately Notify the Manager on Duty
Any time you slip and fall in a grocery stores, it is imperative to notify the manager and have a formal accident report written up. It does not matter if you think your injury is minor-- you always need an accident report. You may not feel a lot of pain immediately, but it is not uncommon for slip and fall injuries to become more apparent after a few days. Make sure that you ask for a copy of the accident report, and keep it in a safe place.
Seek the Care of a Doctor
Slipping and falling from a standing position can cause a variety of injuries, some of which can lead to chronic pain if not promptly treated. After falling in a grocery store, it is in your best interest to see your doctor as soon as possible. Make sure you clearly describe how the accident happened and how you landed so the doctor can do a proper examination of the affected areas and order any imaging tests that may be necessary to diagnose injuries. You medical record from treatment after a slip and fall in a grocery store are also important pieces of evidence for your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Slip and fall cases can be tricky because it must be found that the store's negligence caused your fall. This is why you need to consult a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in these types of cases. Your lawyer will be able to use your photos, medical records, and the accident report to build your case and help prove that the store is at fault so you can receive a fair settlement. Contact a lawyer--like one from Fitzsimmons & Vervaecke Law Firm--for more information.
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