Injuries in stores and businesses happen more often than people realize. A slippery floor, poor lighting, or an uneven surface can turn a routine shopping trip into a painful experience. When businesses fail to maintain safe conditions, customers can suffer serious harm. Knowing what steps to take immediately after an injury can make all the difference when seeking compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured at a store or at a business, call our experienced Aiken premises liability lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Immediate Steps to Take After Being Injured at a Store or Business
Taking the right steps immediately after an injury at a store or business can protect your health and strengthen your potential legal claim for compensation.
1. Assess Your Injuries
The first priority is safety. Pain or discomfort might not be obvious right away, but even minor injuries can worsen over time. If movement causes more pain, staying still and asking for help is the best option.
Severe injuries, such as head trauma or broken bones, require immediate medical attention. Calling emergency services or having someone nearby do so can prevent further complications.
2. Report the Incident to Store or Business Management
Speaking with a manager or employee as soon as possible ensures that the injury is documented. Many businesses have formal accident reports, which should include details about what happened, where it occurred, and any visible hazards.
Requesting a copy of this report can be useful later. If an employee refuses to document the incident, making a written statement and keeping a personal copy strengthens any future claim.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
A store may correct a hazard quickly after an accident, making it harder to prove what caused the injury. Taking photos or videos of the exact location, including wet floors, poor lighting, or broken equipment, helps establish the conditions at the time of the accident.
Witnesses can also provide valuable information. If others saw what happened, asking for their contact details can help support a case if the business denies responsibility.
4. Get a Medical Evaluation as Soon as Possible
Even when injuries seem minor, a doctor’s evaluation is essential. Internal injuries, whiplash, or concussions may not show symptoms right away.
Medical records also create a direct link between the injury and the accident, which is critical when filing a claim. Waiting too long to see a doctor can weaken a case, making it easier for insurance companies to argue that the injury wasn’t serious.
5. Follow All Medical Advice and Treatments
Skipping follow-up appointments or ignoring a doctor’s instructions can make it seem like the injury isn’t severe. Keeping up with treatments, physical therapy, and prescribed medications not only aids recovery but also strengthens a claim. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment to reduce payouts.
6. Document Your Pain and Recovery Process
Injuries affect more than just physical health. Daily activities, work performance, and emotional well-being can all suffer. Keeping a journal that tracks pain levels, mobility limitations, and the impact on everyday life provides additional evidence of suffering caused by the accident.
Understanding Liability of Being Injured at a Store or Business
Understanding liability in store or business injuries is crucial, as businesses have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment, and negligence can make them responsible for accidents.
Premises Liability Law Explained
Businesses have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for customers. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable under premises liability law. A store owner cannot prevent every accident, but if negligence plays a role, they may owe compensation to the injured party.
Examples of Business Negligence
Some accidents are preventable with proper maintenance and attention to safety. Common examples include:
- Spills left uncleaned without warning signs
- Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
- Uneven flooring or torn carpets that create tripping hazards
- Shelving or merchandise that falls and causes injury
When the Business May Not Be Liable
Not every injury in a store results in legal responsibility. If someone is injured due to reckless behavior, such as running through the aisles, the business may not be at fault. Similarly, if a hazard appeared just moments before an accident, giving employees no reasonable time to fix it, liability may not apply.
Filing a Claim Against the Business
Filing a claim begins with notifying the business’s insurance provider. Collecting evidence, medical records, and receipts for expenses related to the injury strengthens the case. Providing clear documentation can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Statements made to adjusters can be used against a claimant, so it’s best to stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Quick settlement offers might seem appealing, but they rarely cover long-term medical costs or lost wages. Reviewing any settlement with a lawyer before accepting prevents the undervaluation of a claim.
Types of Compensation Available
A successful claimant can recover various damages, including:
- Medical bills for treatment, rehabilitation, and medication
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- Future medical expenses if long-term care is required
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you uncover the types of compensation available in your case.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in your case, especially if the business denies liability, the insurance company offers a low settlement, or your injuries are severe.
If Your Claim is Denied or Delayed
Insurance companies sometimes dispute liability or stall the process in hopes that the injured party will give up. A personal injury lawyer can push for a fair resolution and ensure that the business takes responsibility.
If the Business is Refusing Responsibility
Some stores argue that an injury was the customer’s fault. A skilled premises liability lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult professionals to prove negligence played a role.
If You Have Severe or Long-Term Injuries
A minor injury might heal quickly, but long-term injuries can impact earning potential and quality of life. Legal representation ensures compensation accounts for ongoing medical needs, lost income, and emotional distress.
Protecting Your Rights and Moving Forward After Being Injured at a Store or Business
Acting promptly after an injury at a store or business makes a difference. Seek medical treatment to address health concerns and establish documentation. Report the incident and gather evidence to support the claim. Still, understanding your legal rights can empower you to pursue fair compensation.
At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs, we offer experienced legal guidance to victims of premises liability cases. If you or a loved one has been harmed, contact us today at (803) 649-5338 for a free consultation. We are ready to discuss your options and help you every step of the way.
