SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS IN THE GROCERY STORE
Posted on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 at 6:07 pm
When you consider the environment, the high number of slip and fall accidents in grocery stores is easy to explain. The grocery store is full of items that cause floors to become slippery and dangerous if spilled on the floor. Hundreds of customers moving throughout the store every hour increases the likelihood that something will be spilled on the floor.
To make matters worse, the floors in most grocery stores are constructed of slick flooring materials that become treacherous for customers to walk on even if a small amount of liquid or other substances is spilled on the floor. It does not even need to be a spill — customers coming into the store when it is rainy outside can cause hazardous conditions.
If someone falls in a grocery store, who is responsible for the damages caused by the slip and fall accident?
Is the Grocery Store Responsible For The Costs From My Slip And Fall Accident?
You would think that the answer to this question is simple. You fell in the grocery store so the grocery store should pay your medical bills and compensate you for your losses. However, in order to recover compensation for your injuries, you must prove the owner was somehow negligent in causing your fall. Grocery stores aggressively fight slip and fall cases to avoid paying damages; therefore, it is usually best to hire a Sacramento slip and fall attorney to assist you with your accident claim.
In order to hold the property owner responsible for a slip and fall accident, your attorney must prove the elements of negligence:
- A dangerous or hazardous condition existed;
- The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous or hazardous condition;
- The property owner did not take sufficient steps to correct the condition; and,
- You suffered injuries as a direct result of the presence of the dangerous or hazardous condition.
If your attorney cannot prove each of the four elements, you will not receive compensation for your injuries. Because memories fade over time, it is important to take statements from eyewitnesses as soon as possible after a slip and fall accident. In addition, it is also important to preserve key evidence before the evidence is lost or destroyed. Contacting our office as quickly as possible after a grocery store slip and fall is the best step you can take to protect your right to receive a fair settlement for your accident claim.
Don’t Accept The First Offer You Receive
Grocery stores and their insurance companies often offer accident victims a small amount to settle the claim or offer to pay your medical bills in exchange for you signing a release. Unfortunately, the victim may not realize the extent of his or her injuries. Once you sign the release, the store is no longer liable for your damages, even if your injuries are more severe. Therefore, it is not in your best interest to accept the first offer made by the owner without first consulting with a slip and fall attorney. Your claim may be worth far more than the insurance company is offering. This is likely a tactic to pay you as little as possible to avoid further legal problems.
Call A Sacramento Slip And Fall Attorney Today!
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free legal consultation. Do not let an insurance adjuster or property owner convince you that you do not need to consult with an attorney.
