If you were recently injured during an accident at a grocery store, you may be eligible for financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
Potential Hazards at Grocery Stores
Anyone whose visited a grocery could recognize the cement floors, towering steel shelves, and hundreds of thousands of products from the moment they walk through the door.
While this set-up is efficient, low cost, and perfect at advertising the company’s variety of bulk goods, it can also lead to a variety of unfortunate accidents.
Most accidents fall into one of two categories:
- Slip and falls. Between the freezer section, drink section, restaurant area, and restrooms, a majority of most grocery stores are exposed to moisture and potential spills. Liquid of any sort can always lead to slippery floors and cause falls that can injure a customer’s head, neck, back, or limbs.
- Bumps, bruises, and cuts. Some grocery goods come in bulk to help save customers time and money. However, these bulk products require hefty storage, and have been known to topple or fall and hurt customers. The machinery required to haul and store these products can also be found on the store floor, where they can block walkways and cause painful trips of bumps.
If you were severely injured in any way at a grocery store, then it is beneficial to determine whether or not the store may be responsible for your medical bills and lost wages.
Applying for Compensation
Applying for compensation means writing a demand letter to the store's insurance stating that you are looking for compensation for your accident. To do so, you must provide evidence demonstrating that your accident was a result of the company's negligence.
This requires:
- Writing a statement. Describe everything that happened to you before, during, and after the accident. Include as many details as you can.
- Collecting statements from witnesses. If any other customers or workers witnessed your accident, get them to write statements as well.
- Providing photographs. Take pictures of the precise location in the store where the accident took place. Also take pictures of any equipment or other objects involved, as well as pictures of your own injuries.
- Including copies of all medical documents. This means your initial doctor/ER visit after the accident, medical tests, future check-ups, prescriptions, and/or hospitalizations.
- Including evidence of lost wages. If your injury was severe enough to keep you from returning to work, include evidence of all wages lost by providing a W-2s or earnings reports.
Preparing for Deposition
After submitting your PI claim, it is likely that the store's insurance will want to question you about the accident. The company may also want to know more about your personal, financial, medical, and criminal history. This process is called a “deposition”. While it may sound intimidating or invasive, it is actually a common procedure during personal injury cases.
By answering thoroughly and honestly, it is likely you will complete the process with no further issues. However, if you are worried about your deposition or any other legal processes during your claim, it is likely best to speak with an attorney.
Considering a Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury attorneys can make sure you have the best chance of winning your claim. He or she can help you to build a strong case from the very beginning, and negotiate with the store's insurance to make sure you get the most highest compensation you can.
Even better, personal injury attorneys are required to work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay for services unless she or he wins your case.
*Disclaimer
The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Costco, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
