Hurt at a Store? Things To Consider Before Suing a Big Box Retailer

When you go to a big box store here in Florida, you probably don’t expect your shopping trip to end in the hospital. If you slip on a wet floor or a poorly secured shelf falls on your head, what next? Can you claim compensation if you’re hurt at a store? How do you prove fault, and do you need a personal injury lawyer?

Big Box Stores and Premises Liability

Big box retailers must ensure their customers’ safety. This includes reasonable care, like putting up a warning sign if the floor is wet, periodically checking shopping carts for stability, and ensuring employees shelve items securely. Retail stores should also check their workers’ criminal records to employ safe people.

If the store management’s negligence led to your accident, you can pursue a premises liability claim against the retailer. You may seek compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If your claim escalates to a lawsuit, in some cases, a court may also award you punitive damages.

Big Box Retailers May Deny Responsibility

If you’re hurt at a store, you’d naturally expect the business to compensate you for your losses. It’s the right thing to do, and that’s what liability insurance is for. 

However, retailers often jump through hoops to avoid responsibility for accidents. The store may quickly fix hazards and deny they ever existed, hide surveillance footage, blame you for the accident, and resort to other bad faith tactics. The store’s insurance company may deny the seriousness of your injury or trick you into making a recorded statement that hurts your claim.

Large retailers typically have an army of legal professionals and insurance adjusters defending them against claims by injured customers. Do you stand a chance against such resources? Yes, with a competent lawyer fighting for your rights.

What To Do After an Accident in a Store

If you slip and fall or suffer another type of accident in a big box store, do the following:

• Report the accident. Ask for a copy of the incident report and save all records of communication with the store.
• Gather evidence. You must be quick about evidence collection. Take photos before the store employees clean the accident scene up.
• Note witnesses’ names and contact info. Witness testimony can be extremely valuable, especially if the retail store denies responsibility or blames you for the accident.
• Seek medical attention. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to the letter and save all medical records.
• Call a lawyer. Choose an experienced attorney who knows how to handle premises liability cases.

Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A.: Legal Help for Victims of Big Box Store Accidents

Were you hurt at a store? Our law firm offers reliable advice and skilled legal representation. Call Jeffrey R. Davis, P.A., for a no-cost case evaluation and learn your legal options. Our Coral Gables legal team has helped many victims of retail store accidents prove negligence and secure proper compensation for their injuries.

Call (305) 577-3777 for a free consultation 24/7.