Most of us never consider the possibility of sustaining an injury while partaking in a mundane activity like grocery shopping. Unfortunately, when supermarket management and staff fail to stay vigilant and ensure their premises are hazard-free, accidents can occur. If you’ve been injured in a grocery store due to no fault of your own, contact a Kane County supermarket accident lawyer from O’Brien Law, LLC today.
Do I Need a Supermarket Accident Lawyer?
After sustaining an injury in a supermarket accident, you may wonder whether you’ll need a lawyer to help pursue financial compensation. Hiring a competent Geneva, Illinois personal injury lawyer comes with several benefits, including:
- A lawyer can help you gather evidence and present it convincingly
- A lawyer can effectively negotiate with insurance companies in an effort to reach a favorable settlement
- A lawyer can handle all paperwork on your behalf
- A lawyer can take your case to trial and fight for maximum compensation, if necessary
Common Causes of Supermarket Accidents
Grocery store accidents can occur due to a variety of circumstances, but some of the most common hazards that we see lead to accidents are as follows:
- Slippery floors from spills or cleaning
- Uneven or cracked pavement in parking lots
- Poorly lit walkways and parking areas
- Obstructed aisles due to merchandise overflow
- Falling objects from high shelves
- Crowded aisles causing trip hazards
- Wet floors from weather or mopping
- Inadequate signage for wet floors or hazards
- Defective shopping carts causing injuries
- Electric sliding doors malfunctioning
- Unsecured mats or rugs at entrances
- Blocked emergency exits
- Overcrowding during peak shopping hours
- Improperly maintained bathroom facilities
What to Do After a Supermarket Accident
After a supermarket accident, if you can, you should try to take the following steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. If you’re injured, get medical help right away.
- Notify the Store Manager: Inform the store manager or staff about the accident as soon as possible. Insist that they create and provide you with a copy of an incident report.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the area where you fell, including any hazards, such as wet floors.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to your fall, collect their names and contact details.
- Keep Records of Medical Treatment: Document all medical treatments received, including visits to doctors, physical therapy, medications, and any other related expenses.
- Preserve Evidence: Save the clothing and shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident, as they could be important evidence.
- Do Not Give Recorded Statements: Avoid giving detailed statements or recorded interviews to insurance companies without legal advice.
- Contact a Skilled Supermarket Accident Lawyer: Your attorney can assess the circumstances of your case, and, from there, work to satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim.
As long as you and your attorney can prove you were injured due to another party’s negligence, you should qualify for financial compensation. This compensation can help you recuperate from the physical, financial, and emotional damages you’ve incurred as a result of your accident.
Statute of Limitations in Illinois
In most cases, accident victims in Illinois will have to file their personal injury claim within two years of the date of their accident, in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. Waiting longer than two years will most likely result in you being permanently barred from suing.
Contact a Supermarket Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured due to dangerous grocery store conditions, the time to act is now. Contact a skilled Kane County supermarket accident lawyer from O’Brien Law, LLC for your free initial consultation today.
