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Accidents can happen anywhere, even in seemingly safe environments like stores, such as grocery stores, restaurants, clothing stores, and large department stores.  If you have experienced a trip and fall incident inside a store, you might wonder whether you have a valid injury claim. The quick answer is maybe, depending on the facts of your case. If you were injured in any type of trip and fall or slip and fall accident, please consult with an experienced personal injury attorney now to learn of your rights and legal options.

Understanding Liability

Most slip and fall or trip and fall accidents fall under the area of the law known as premises liability. Premises liability laws say that property owners are responsible, or liable, if someone is injured on their land due to an unsafe or defective condition.

In the context of a slip and fall or trip and fall incident in a store, you’ll likely succeed in establishing an injury claim if you can show that the store owner was negligent in its ownership and/or maintenance of the property. You can usually do this by proving that a store owner knew or should have known about an unsafe condition on the property but did nothing to fix it.

For example, if you slipped on a pool of water while in a restaurant, you could likely bring an accident claim by showing that the restaurant knew of the liquid but did nothing to clean it up.

Common evidence that you can use to prove that a store is liable in slip and fall or trip and fall accidents includes things like:

• Footage from surveillance cameras,
• Accident reports,
• Witness statements,
• Property records, and
• Expert testimony.

Compensation You Can Recover

You generally have two legal options if you were injured in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in a store. You can file an insurance claim with the insurance company for the store and/or an injury lawsuit in court. If successful in bringing either a claim or a suit, you could receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Future lost earning capacity,
• Property damage, and
• Pain and suffering.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

If you were injured due to a trip and fall or slip and fall inside a store, consider the following steps:

• Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top concerns. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention to ensure there are no underlying issues. There are times when medical conditions may develop with no immediate warning signs.
• Report the incident: Notify the store manager or staff about what happened. Ask them to document the incident in their records. Sometimes the store will ask you to complete an incident report. This report is just your account of what took place.
• Gather evidence: Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, as well as photos of your injuries. Try to obtain contact information from any people that may have witnessed your accident. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your claim.
• Keep records: Keep track of any medical bills, receipts for medications, and other expenses related to your injury.
• Consult with a personal injury attorney: A qualified attorney experienced in premises liability cases can assess the details of your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

If you have suffered an injury from a trip and fall or trip and fall inside a store, you may have legal options available to pursue compensation for your damages. By understanding your rights, gathering evidence, and seeking legal guidance, you can take the necessary steps towards obtaining the compensation you deserve. Remember, your safety is paramount, so prioritize seeking medical attention as soon as practically possible.

Questions?

Contact Nelson Injury Law for Help!

If you were injured in an accident, let us shoulder the burden of your case. Your focus should be on healing from your injuries. The skilled injury attorneys at Nelson Injury Law are here to help. Please contact us now for a free consultation.

Eric S. Nelson, owner of Nelson Injury Law, is an experienced trial attorney who will provide you with wise and compassionate legal counsel and representation through each stage of your case. Remember, you pay nothing if we do not win your case.