After a serious injury, the first thing on your mind is the injury itself. However, if that injury occurs while you are shopping, it is important to consider the legal aspects of that injury, too. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be limited as to the actions you can take, but the more you do to preserve evidence, the better your chances are if you have to file a claim later.
When you are injured at a store, your last thought is suing that retailer. However, when the costs start to add up, such as medical bills, time away from work, pain, suffering, time away from loved ones, and more, you start to wonder what your options are.
Get Assistance While in the Store
Immediately after the injury, contact emergency officials for help or have a store associate contact emergency personnel. Movement can worsen serious injuries; therefore, it is in your best interest to remain still and wait for help.
If you are not severely injured, then request help from the store’s associates and report the injury to the store’s manager on duty. The store may need an official statement from you. If they request one, keep the following in mind:
- Describe what happened, but do not embellish.
- Be detailed about where in the store the incident occurred.
- Describe what caused your injury.
Find Witnesses
In a slip and fall case, it is in your best interest to locate witnesses to the injury as soon as possible. If another customer was nearby at the time of the accident, kindly ask them if you can contact them later for a statement. Then, collect contact information for that customer. An independent witness is helpful if the store tries to dispute your claim.
Take Photographs of the Accident Scene and Conditions
Slip and fall cases are often contested; therefore, taking pictures could ensure that the retailer has nothing to dispute. While you are in pain, try to take photos. You will need a picture of the scene, and the conditions that caused your accident. For example, if you slipped on a wet surface, take a photograph of that wet surface – as well as the surrounding area – showing that now warning signs or employees are present at the site.
Contact an Atlanta Slip and Fall Injury Attorney
After your accident inside a store, protect your rights and contact a slip and fall attorney. These types of incidents often lead to chronic pain and severe injuries, including head trauma. Therefore, you should not have to endure medical costs or lost wages for poor conditions created by a retailer. Contact the accident team at Van Sant Law today to explore your options by calling (800) 234-9556 or completing our online contact form.