Whether you’re going to do your weekly shopping or forgot an important ingredient for a recipe, going to the grocery store is a fixture in most people’s schedules. However, the last thing you expect is for your quick trip to your local supermarket to end with you in an ambulance. Unfortunately, accidents in grocery stores are not uncommon, so understanding your rights in these instances is critical. If this represents your circumstances, it’s imperative to know that you do not have to bear the burden for someone else’s negligence. Keep reading to learn more about grocery store accidents and why connecting with supermarket injury attorneys is imperative to fighting for the justice you deserve.
How do accidents happen in a grocery store?
Generally, the most common kind of accident that happens in supermarkets and food stores is a slip and fall. You’ll find that several hazards can result in patrons slipping, tripping, falling, and sustaining injuries while in these establishments. Common causes of slips and falls include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Spills
- Unsecured cords
- Debris and items on the ground
- Broken tiling
- Unanchored carpeting
- Wet spots on the floor (from patrons walking in wet weather or employees cleaning)
- Malfunctioning produce misters
- Snow and ice in the parking lot
- Broken walkways
However, slips and falls aren’t the only cause of accidents in supermarkets. Unfortunately, you’ll find that if the fixtures in the store, like light fixtures, signs, doors, and shelves, aren’t adequately secured, they may fall and strike a passerby. Similarly, improperly stocked shelves can cause products to fall and hit a shopper on the way down.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for those who slip and fall or are struck by objects to sustain serious injuries. These include broken bones, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal cord damage, and back injuries, among others.
What should I do following an accident to help my case?
If you are injured while shopping in a grocery store, it’s important to understand that the law is on your side. As an establishment, the supermarket owes shoppers a duty of care, meaning they are supposed to ensure the premises are reasonably safe. However, you’ll need to proceed with caution, as mistakes can impact the outcome of your case.
Generally, one of the most important things you must do immediately after the accident is report the injury to the store manager. Next, you should document the circumstances of your accident, and the hazard that lead to your injury. The store manager will likely have you complete an incident report. It’s imperative to ensure you do not make any statements that could be twisted as assuming responsibility for the accident. Be sure to request a copy of this report before leaving the store.
If you need emergency medical attention, you should call an ambulance to the store for further care. However, if you believe you can wait until you see your primary care physician, it’s imperative to follow up with them the next day if possible. The sooner you establish care, the better.
Finally, you’ll want to connect with an experienced attorney from Friedman Schuman Layser. Unfortunately, many try to navigate this process on their own and end up with significantly less compensation than they deserve. Instead, allowing an attorney to handle these matters can help you recover the justice you deserve. Contact our team today if you’ve been injured to learn how we can help.
