Slip and fall mishaps are among the most common risks for aging adults in the US. As seniors lose their balance, mobility, and independence over the years, they tend to slip and fall at home and outside. Unfortunately, the threat exists even for kids and adults of all ages in retail store settings. Such mishaps may happen due to obstructions and spills on floors in high-traffic areas due to the negligence of store owners and managers. The worst part is that they can cause dire and unexpected injuries to shoppers. Knowing how to handle them can save you a lot of trouble. Here are a few surefire tips for dealing with a fall mishap at a grocery store.
Seek medical attention
Fall injuries can be more severe than you imagine, so getting medical help should be on top of your mind. You may want to skip a doctor’s visit if you feel good and see no visible injuries. But ruling out internal bleeding and deep-seated damage makes sense. Such issues may not surface right away but often lead to dire complications within a few days. The worst part is that you may miss out on your compensation claim due to a lack of medical evidence of the damage. You must absolutely visit a doctor and get a thorough checkup immediately after the mishap.
Report the fall
Another crucial step is to report the mishap to the store manager or owner because it is an essential part of the claims process. You need to show the report to prove their liability. The liability statutes in most states are similar as they entitle victims to file for compensation if they suffer due to the negligence of a store manager or owner. If you encounter such injuries in Atlanta, you must collaborate with an Atlanta slip and fall attorney after reporting the incident. Also, get the manager or owner’s name, contact details, and insurance information. However, do not sign any document or give an extensive statement until you have a legal expert on board.
Gather evidence and witness information
Besides reporting the incident, you must also gather evidence and witness information to validate the negligence of the retail store owner or manager. Be proactive and take pictures of the accident spot to show spills or obstructions. You can ask your companion or another shopper to do it for you if the pain and injuries are severe enough to restrict movement. Take note of details such as the time and circumstances leading to the mishap. Remember to gather the contact information of customers, store employees, and managers who witnessed your fall before leaving the store. Medical records such as diagnostics and treatment bills are also significant pieces of evidence.
Slip and fall mishaps are common in retail stores, and most of them happen due to the owner’s negligence. Knowing how to get medical help and claim compensation for your injuries puts you in a better place. Most importantly, be vigilant about the dangers and report them to prevent a mishap.
