Is the Grocery Store Liable for My Slip and Fall Injury?

Slipping and falling at the grocery store can result in serious injuries. Broken bones, back and neck injuries, head trauma – the damages can be severe and require lengthy medical treatment and time away from work.

When your fall was caused by a hazardous condition the grocery store failed to address, they may be held liable for your slip and fall injury. Grocery stores have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe and free of slip and fall hazards like spills, cluttered aisles, or uneven flooring.

If they knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to remedy it promptly, the store may be liable for the injuries and damages you suffered in a fall, but collecting compensation can be a challenge. Having a Phoenix slip and fall lawyer on your side can make it much easier.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall at the Grocery Store?

Here are the recommended steps to take immediately after suffering a slip and fall accident in a grocery store:

Report the Incident

Notify a manager or employee right away about your fall and request they fill out an incident report documenting what happened, where it occurred, and describing the hazardous condition that caused you to slip.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries like head trauma or back/neck issues may not be immediately apparent. Creating medical records is vital evidence.

Document Everything

Take photos/videos of the area where you fell and the hazardous condition, like a spill, broken tile, etc. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Keep the clothes/shoes you were wearing.

Save your receipt. Holding onto the grocery store receipt helps establish you were lawfully on the premises when the accident occurred.

Avoid Speculation

When providing information to the store or medical providers, stick to only the facts you know about how the incident occurred. Don’t speculate, guess, or admit any fault.

Contact an Attorney

Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Phoenix as soon as possible,  before speaking with the store’s insurance company. We can ensure your rights are protected.

Acting quickly to report the fall, document evidence, and involve a lawyer can greatly strengthen your ability to hold the grocery store accountable.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Causes of Slip and Falls that the Grocery Store May Be Held Liable for

Falling on their property doesn’t necessarily guarantee the grocery store is liable for your injuries. You need to be able to prove negligence. However, don’t automatically assume you’re to blame either. Slip and fall lawyers can look for evidence of negligence including:

 Here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents that can occur in grocery stores:

Spills and Moisture

• Drink or food spills on floors
• Leaks from freezer or refrigerator units
• Condensation buildup near entrances
• Improper floor cleaning or waxing

Uneven Walking Surfaces

• Cracked, uneven or broken tile flooring
• Torn, bunched or worn carpet/mats
• Abrupt changes in floor elevation
• Loose grilles or floor tiles

Obstructions and Poor Lighting

• Boxes, crates or products in walkways
• Tangled mats or loose cords/wires
• Dim lighting in aisles or corners
• Glare or harsh shadows obscuring hazards

Environment/Maintenance Issues

• Failure to remove debris or trash
• Lack of handrails on stairs/steps
• Poor parking lot potholes
• Loose floor mats or rugs not secured

Employee Negligence

• Failing to use proper “Wet Floor” signs
• Leaving spills or hazards unattended
• Improper ladder/stool use blocking aisles
• Failure to salt/remove ice in inclement weather

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Hold a Grocery Store Liable for My Slip and Fall Injuries?

Here are some key ways an experienced lawyer can help hold a grocery store liable after you suffer injuries from a slip and fall accident on their premises:

Investigate the Accident Thoroughly

A lawyer will immediately send an investigator to the grocery store to inspect the accident scene, take photographs/videos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, obtain surveillance footage if available, and interview any witnesses. This evidence is crucial to establish the store’s negligence.

Identify All Responsible Parties

In some cases, the property owner, cleaning company, construction contractors, or manufacturers of faulty equipment may share liability along with the grocery store itself. A lawyer will determine all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.

Navigate Premises Liability Laws

Premises liability laws governing slip and fall cases are complex, with many legal theories like negligence, duty of care, foreseeability, and notice requirements. A lawyer understands these nuances and what evidence is needed to prove liability.

Represent You in Dealing With the Store

Grocery stores and their insurers may try to downplay the hazard, question the severity of your injuries, or even blame you for the accident. A lawyer will handle all communications to prevent inadvertent admissions of fault and protect your rights.

Prove the Value of Your Damages

A lawyer will accurately calculate the total damages you’ve incurred, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability accommodations, and more. They’ll fight to maximize your recovery.

Negotiate a Full Settlement or Take Court Action

If the grocery store disputes liability or undervalues your claim, a lawyer can effectively negotiate to get you a fair settlement amount. If they refuse to be reasonable, a lawyer is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

Without legal representation, grocery stores know injured victims are in a vulnerable position and lack leverage. An experienced slip and fall lawyer evens the playing field to ensure the store is held fully accountable.

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Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to Learn More About Liability in Grocery Store Slip and Fall Claims

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, don’t try to take on the complex legal battle alone. Having an experienced Phoenix slip and fall lawyer on your side can level the playing field against the store and their insurers.

We will thoroughly investigate the hazardous condition that caused your fall, gather evidence to prove liability, calculate your total damages, and negotiate aggressively for the maximum compensatory damages you deserve. Don’t accept anything less – contact Zanes Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights and options.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
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