Tips to Protect Yourself After a Grocery Store Slip and Fall
Falling in a Florida supermarket can really give you a bruising. If you recently took a spill at a Florida grocery store, you may be wondering what to do next. Don’t panic. Just follow these 12 tips to take care of yourself and your rights after a slip and fall accident.
The Soffer Firm has been voted Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and “National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40” multiple years in a row because of how hard we work for our clients. We don’t get paid unless you get paid, and we have recovered millions for our clients.
Our Florida slip and fall lawyers help you navigate the complexities of your legal case. Call us today at (786) 788-7344.
Step 1: Get Checked Out
First things first, get yourself checked out medically, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Better safe than sorry. Head to your doctor or an urgent care to get evaluated and treated for any sprains, fractures, or other issues.
Step 2: Report It
Tell a store manager what happened and ask them to create an incident report. Get a copy of this report for your records so there is documentation of the accident from the store’s perspective.
Step 3: Find Witnesses
If anyone saw you fall, politely ask for their contact information. Eyewitness statements are hugely helpful for proving liability later on. Don’t be shy to request witnesses share what they saw.
Step 4: Photograph the Scene
Pull out your smartphone and take pictures of the area where you fell. Photograph whatever caused the slip, whether it was a wet floor, spilled liquid, broken tile, torn carpet, or anything else hazardous. Also take photos of any injuries or bruising.
Step 5: Write Down What Happened
While the details are still fresh, write yourself some notes about how the fall happened. Jot down what you were doing right before the fall, how you lost your footing, how you fell, how you felt afterwards, where you hurt, and anything else you can remember.
Step 6: Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Reach out to an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. A slip and fall lawyer can investigate your case, deal with the grocery store, calculate damages, and pursue compensation through a claim or lawsuit.
Step 7: Follow Doctor’s Orders
Take medications, attend therapy sessions, and fully participate in all medical treatment recommended by your doctor. This helps support your recovery. Also, keep careful records of medical costs, prescriptions, mileage to appointments, and time missed from work.
Step 8: Avoid Recorded Statements
If an insurance adjuster calls wanting to take a recorded statement, politely decline to provide one until you have spoken to a Miami slip and fall attorney. What you say can be used against you.
Step 9: Don’t Vent Publicly
It’s tempting to post about the accident on social media, but don’t. Insurance companies look for posts they can use to undermine or discredit you. Keep quiet until your case resolves.
Step 10: Gather Evidence
Be sure to collect accident reports, medical records, income statements, receipts, and any other documentation related to the incident. Keep everything organized for your personal injury lawyer’s review.
Step 11: Have Realistic Expectations
Don’t expect a settlement offer to cover all costs. Experienced attorneys know how to calculate and negotiate fair compensation in a Florida slip and fall case, factoring in both economic and non-economic damages.
Step 12: Be Patient
Securing a fair settlement or litigating a lawsuit takes time. Avoid rushing the process and let your miami slip and fall lawyer handle the legwork. Patience puts you in the best position.
Suffering a slip and fall in a Florida grocery store can lead to extensive injuries and expenses. Protect yourself by taking the appropriate legal and medical steps after an accident. Consulting a qualified attorney for a free case review is a smart first move.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long do I have to report my Florida grocery store accident?
You typically have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for damages. However, reporting the fall and contacting a lawyer immediately helps preserve evidence.
2. What if I was partly at fault for my fall?
Florida follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover losses if you were less than 50% at fault. A lawyer will investigate liability.
3. Should I call an ambulance after falling in a store?
That depends on the severity of your injuries. For head, neck or back pain, or inability to stand, call 911. Otherwise, seek urgent care or your doctor promptly.
4. Can I sue if I slip on grapes in the produce section?
Yes, grocery stores must keep their premises reasonably safe. Floors in produce sections must be properly maintained to prevent slipping dangers.
5. Will the store have to pay my medical bills?
Not automatically, but stores can be liable for injuries resulting from hazardous conditions. Notify the store of bills and consult a lawyer.
Receive the Help You Deserve for Your Florida Slip and Fall Case
The Soffer Firm has been voted Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and “National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40” multiple years in a row because of how hard we work for our clients. We don’t get paid unless you get paid, and we have recovered millions for our clients.
Our Florida slip and fall lawyers help you navigate the complexities of your legal case. Call us today at (786) 788-7344.