With all of the liquids lining grocery shelves, itโs no wonder slip and fall accidents in grocery stores are a common occurrence. These accidents happen as a result of spilled water, other liquids, and sticky substances left on floors in high traffic areas of your local supermarket or shopping mall. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), 55% of slip, trip and fall accidents are caused directly by the floor.
Who is responsible for slip and fall accidents?
Minnesotaโs premise liability statute states that land and real estate property owners are held liable if a person suffers from injuries on the property as a result of negligence. It is the store ownerโs responsibility to keep customers safe by cleaning and repairing floors, aisles, and uneven, dangerous surfaces โ both inside and outside of the store.
Itโs important to follow these necessary steps after you slip and fall in a grocery store. If you suffer from injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
The Center of Disease Control (CDC) reports that in 2010, there were over 2 million nonfatal fall injuries of older adults who were treated in emergency departments in the U.S.
After you fall, your health should be your first priority. If you experience severe pain or have difficulty moving, stay on the floor and immediately call 911 (or ask a store employee or customer to call for you). If your injuries are minimal and you are still mobile, get up carefully and slowly.
Even if you donโt feel pain immediately after you fall, itโs important to still follow up with your doctor, because injuries and pain can show up a few days later.
Report Your Fall
Immediately report your fall to the store owner or manager. Make sure to get the store owner or managerโs name, phone number and insurance information.
Donโt give an extensive statement about the accident to the owner/manager or sign any paperwork until you speak to a personal injury attorney.
Obtain Information From Witnesses
The best way to prove that your slip and fall accident happened on their premises is to get information from witnesses. Write down their contact information before you leave the store. Include customers, store employees, managers, etc. who witnessed your fall.
Gather Evidence to Prove Your Injuries
If you have a camera on your mobile phone, snap pictures of the accident scene inside (or outside) the store. Jot down detailed notes of your slip and fall accident including the date, time, store location, and what circumstances/conditions caused you to slip and fall.
Save your clothing and shoes as evidence. These personal items can help further confirm your accident โ especially if they were damaged or got dirty as a result of your fall.
If you have to see a doctor or go to the hospital, ask for copies of your medical records and keep detailed notes of your appointments and injuries/pain.
Were you injured as a result of a slip and fall accident in a grocery store and have more questions? Contact Meshbesher & Spence today for a consultation with our slip and fall lawyers.