Convenience stores can definitely make life easier—it is nice to be able to quickly get in and out of a small store instead of making a trip to a supermarket. But like all retailers, convenience stores are required to ensure that the premises are reasonably safe for customers. One of the most common injuries suffered by convenience store customers are the result of slip and fall accidents, which can cause serious damage to a person. If you slip and fall in a convenience store and it is due to negligence on the store's part, take the following steps:
Make Sure an Incident Report is Prepared
If you are injured in a slip and fall, immediately contact the store's manager and make sure that he or she fills out an incident report outlining the details of the accident. When the incident report is fully filled out, don't forget to request a copy for your records.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
Many convenience stores are quite busy, so there is a good chance that other people may witness your accident. Before leaving the store, request contact information from witnesses so they can be contacted as your injury claim is processed.
Take Photos
In this day and age most people have cell phones with cameras, so take pictures of the accident scene if possible. Common causes for falls in a convenience store include wet floors without caution signs, an accumulation of snow or rain water in the entryway, or spilled drinks or food on the floor. Having pictures of what caused your fall can help strengthen your claim.
Visit Your Doctor
Slipping and falling can cause serious trauma to your back, knees, elbows, neck, head, and tail bone. After a fall in a convenience store, it is important to visit your doctor for medical treatment. In addition to getting the care that you need to make a full recovery, your medical records will serve as evidence in your injury claim.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney
One of the challenges of getting a settlement in a slip and fall case is proving that there was negligence on the part of the convenience store. One of the best things you can do is hire an experienced personal injury lawyer (like Starnes Rob P. LLC, Attorney At Law) who understands slip and fall claims. When you have a lawyer, there is a much greater chance that your claim will be fairly settled in your favor.
Share3 June 2015
