What To Do After Slip And Fall in A Grocery Store?

1.Seek Medical Attention

The first and foremost step is to seek immediate medical attention if you are injured, so call 911 immediately. Even if you feel completely fine at the time of the accident, you still need to see a doctor because some injuries, such as internal bleeding, which apparently might seem to be a small bruise, take days and sometimes weeks to manifest fully.

Internal bleeding in a skull initially feels like a mild concussion, but it is not. Bleeding can spread inside the skull, which is capable of leading to severe brain issues such as memory loss, coma, and critical nerve damage. Other than this example, it is very much possible to have sustained hairline fractures or damaged vertebrae. All these tend to cause severe health issues later.

2.Collect Documentary Evidence

Documentary evidence strengthens your case. Remember to keep safe all the medical reports, physician notes, ambulance records, bills, and receipts for any medical treatment you received, lost wages, or other expenses incurred due to the slip and fall accident. These are crucial documentary evidence that document your injuries and help support your case. If you are an employee at the store then keep safe the salary transaction history.

In the case of a slip and fall in a grocery store, the store owners usually challenge the validity and truthfulness of your incident by claiming that your story is concocted with the intent to extort money. They can also claim that your injuries existed before the incident. Hence, an instant medical examination report also proves the time of injuries.

3.Take Photographs and Videos

The second step is to instantly take pictures and videos of the substance that caused the fall and the place where you fell to prove your innocence. This photographic evidence will help prove that the unfortunate event was caused by the negligence of the store management because there were no caution signs around to warn you. Also, take photographs of security cameras, if any, and ask for CCTV footage of the accident.

4.Write Down the Details

Note down the details of the incident while it is still fresh in your mind. Write down the time and location. These details must also include how the incident happened, the type of surface, the substance that caused the fall, or if an uneven surface caused the fall, broken step, Loose floorboards, loose or bulging carpeting, or exposed wiring. Include your job designation in the details if you are a worker there.

5.Collect the Names of Witnesses

Most slip-and-fall personal injury lawsuits require one or more witnesses. When you slip and fall in a grocery store, other people around you witness this incident. Write down the witnesses’ names, addresses, and contact numbers. A witness can be a co-worker if you are a worker at the store, a bystander who witnessed the fall, or the doctor who treated your injuries. These witnesses will help build a strong claim against the grocery store.

At this point, you might be thinking, what if a witness refuses to testify in court?  Don’t worry, testifying is not optional. If a witness has information about your case, your lawyer can ask the judge to subpoena them. Subpoena means that the judge will summon the witness to attend the court and testify.

6.Notify The Store Manager

Notify the store manager regarding the incident. Grocery stores are required to have a method for filing incident reports. Ask the manager for a report form and fill it out carefully. Right down the incident details and keep a copy of that report safe with you. Be very precise and concise while writing the details.

7.Consult an Attorney

Consulting and engaging a competent and experienced personal injury attorney is vital. He will evaluate the specifics for you and determine if you have a valid base for a personal injury lawsuit against the grocery store. He will help prove the grocery store’s negligence and build a strong case. 

Provide your atlanta slip and fall lawyer with all the evidence you secured. Handover all the photographic and videographic evidence, medical reports and bills, names and contact information of the witnesses, etc. This will play a vital role in establishing a solid claim.

8.Expect A Call

You might get a call from the store’s insurance company, a private investigator working for the store, or a claim adjustment company. If you are an employee of the store, you might get a call from your employer. Do not provide them with any information or statements if the caller asks for any. Do not accept any settlement offer until you consult with your lawyer.

9.Be Wary of Two Years Time Limit

If you are a simple worker at the store or a customer with little or no knowledge of the law. It is essential to understand that delaying the legal proceedings will weaken your stance, and ultimately, your chance of receiving damages will be low. 

Remember, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 of Atlanta’s Statute of Limitations for slip and fall accidents, you only have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to do so, your right to file a suit will be time-barred, which basically means that you will no longer be able to file a lawsuit to receive damages from the store.

10.Avoid these Things

• Firstly, anything you say can be used against you in court, so do not blame anyone or admit that it was your fault in front of others. Don’t say, “I am fine or alright.”

• Secondly, the store owner or store manager might ask you to sign some documents. Refuse to sign any documents that the store managers or owners give you. Nothing at all needs to be signed by you. 

• Lastly, when you are in court, do not provide any false information that is more than required.