What to Do After a Slip and Fall In a Store

What to Do After a Slip and Fall In a Store

What should you do after a slip and fall in a store? Explore legal options and protect your rights. Act now to seek the compensation you deserve!

If you slip and fall in a store, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount depends on many factors, from your state’s laws to the extent of your injuries.

One thing that’s certain about slip and fall accidents is that you need to act fast to protect your rights. Of course, this is easier said than done. Slip-and-falls are more stressful than many realize, and doing the correct thing can be overwhelming.

Want to ensure that you’ll get the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall accident? Read on to learn what to do immediately following the accident and how to make the most of your claim!

What Should You Do if You Slip and Fall In a Store?

The first steps you take after an accident can make all the difference in your slip and fall case. Here’s a quick guide on what to do in this situation:

Check for Injuries

If you feel pain or can’t get up, call for help immediately. Many fall injuries can quickly worsen, particularly if they involve your head and back. Don’t try to play off the accident as something minor before you know the extent of it.

Seek Medical Attention

Whether you feel fine or not, call emergency services. Even if you’re not sure if you need assistance, it’s safer to get checked. Keep in mind that your adrenaline may temporarily mask serious injuries, including:

• Fractures
• Concussions
• Internal damage

Report the Accident

Next, talk to the store manager or whoever is in charge. Ask them to document everything that happened and get a copy of the report if possible. If the manager is noncooperative, focus on documenting the accident yourself.

Take Photos

When it comes to documenting an accident, your phone is your best friend. Snap pictures of your injuries and the scene of the accident. Pay particular attention to whatever might have caused your fall, such as:

• Wet floor
• Broken steps
• Uneven pavement

Talk to Witnesses

If someone saw you fall, ask for their contact information. At the very least, you should get their name and phone number. Witness statements can play a key role in retail fall accidents, so take your time to talk to everyone.

What to Do After You’ve Left the Scene

Once the immediate aftermath is over, the real work on protecting your rights can begin. Here’s what you should do in the days following the accident:

Write Everything Down

The first thing you should do when you get home is write down everything you remember about the accident. No matter how small a detail seems, it may be important later on. Some things you should write down are:

• Time and place of the accident
• What caused you to fall
• What shoes you were wearing
• Weather conditions
• What the property looked like

Consult a Doctor

Even if you feel fine right after an accident, some injuries can show up days later. Plus, having a medical record can only help your case. Follow any medical treatment you get and keep all documentation relevant to the case.

Talk to a Lawyer

Slip and fall lawsuits can be complex, so it’s often essential to have a personal injury lawyer in your corner. Keep in mind that the property owner and their insurer are likely already building a legal defense of their own.

Avoid Social Media

With store injury claims, it’s best to stay quiet until your case is over. As tempting as it can be to vent online, anything you say there can be used against you. To play it safe, keep all the details of the case between you and your attorney.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Fall?

In Florida, you have the right to seek compensation if someone else’s carelessness causes you harm. The amount of compensation will depend on these factors:

• Lost Wages (time missed from work, reduced earning capacity)
• Medical Expenses (surgery, ER visits, medications, physical therapy)
• Pain and Suffering (physical pain, diminished quality of life)
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses (home modifications, travel to appointments)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who Is Responsible for Your Slip and Fall?

In Florida, property owners must take reasonable steps to address dangerous conditions, such as spills and broken steps. If they knew about a condition that caused your slip and fall and didn’t fix it, you can hold them responsible.

How Do You Prove the Property Owner’s Negligence?

The property owner’s knowledge can be actual or constructive. Actual knowledge involves being aware of the hazard. Constructive knowledge simply requires the hazard to exist long enough that it should have been discovered.

For example, let’s say a grocery store doesn’t clean up a spilled drink for 30 minutes. This is an example of constructive knowledge that may allow you to prove the property owner’s negligence.

Are Slip and Fall Injuries Serious?

Many slip and fall injuries are serious enough to disrupt your life. Sometimes, they may result in constant pain that can follow you for months or longer. Here are some common slip and fall injuries that occur due to retail store hazards:

• Broken bones, particularly hips, ankles, and wrists
• Head injuries, including brain trauma and concussions
• Soft tissue damage, such as torn ligaments
• Spinal cord injuries, leading to back pain
• Long-term mobility issues that require surgery

How Long Should You Wait to File a Slip and Fall Case?

Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall case is two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to file a lawsuit as soon as possible. As time goes on, proving your case becomes more difficult.

Our Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help!

Even if you follow all shopper safety tips, a slip and fall in a store can always happen due to someone else’s negligence. In this situation, it’s very important to hire a personal injury lawyer to ensure you’ll get the compensation you deserve.

At Felice Trial Attorneys, we have decades of experience in slip and fall accidents. As Florida’s top-rated personal injury law firm, we take great pride in offering personalized attention and regular updates to all our clients!

You also don’t pay us anything unless we win your case! Contact us here for a free case evaluation or to learn more about our team of personal injury experts!