What Should I Do if I Am Injured at a Store During the Holidays?

 Posted on December 15, 2023 in Civil Litigation

The holiday season is a time when people flock to stores to shop for gifts for their loved ones. With crowded aisles, hectic activity, and merchandise stacked high, it is no surprise that accidents can happen. Injuries can occur in a variety of situations, including slip and fall accidents on wet floors, trip and fall injuries due to damaged sidewalks or parking lots, people being struck by falling merchandise, or injuries in attacks or altercations that occurred because a store failed to provide the proper security.

People who are injured while shopping at stores may be able to take legal action against an establishment or property owner. A store that was negligent and failed to take the proper steps to protect people from harm may be held liable for the injuries and damages that occurred in accidents or other situations. An attorney who has experience in premises liability cases can provide representation for injury victims. Following an injury at a store, there are a few important steps to take, including:

1. Receive Medical Treatment

It is important to protect your health and well-being following an accident that led to an injury. Even if you do not believe you were seriously injured, it is important to see a doctor and receive treatment. This will not only ensure that your injuries will be dealt with correctly, but it will create a medical record that can be used to determine the causes of your injuries and identify the responsible parties.

If your injury requires urgent care or emergency treatment, do not hesitate to call 911 or ask someone nearby for help. Receiving emergency medical treatment at the scene of the accident may be necessary, and it can ensure that your injuries will be addressed properly.

2. Document Evidence

To gain information that can be used to determine who was responsible for your injury, you can gather evidence at the scene, if you are able to do so. This may include taking photos or videos showing where and how your accident occurred and collecting contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. This evidence will help support your claim when pursuing compensation for your injuries. Even minor details could make a difference in proving liability.

3. Report the Incident

You will want to make sure the management of the store where an injury occurred is informed about the accident. Make sure they create an official incident report documenting what happened and including all relevant details about your injury. It is always advisable to speak with a manager rather than just mentioning an accident to an employee on duty. Ask the manager for a copy of the incident report before leaving if they have not already offered one to you.

4. Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

After suffering an injury in a store during the holidays, it is essential to consult with a lawyer who has experience representing clients in premises liability cases. They can evaluate your case and give you an idea of the steps you will need to take to recover compensation from a negligent store or property owner. Your lawyer can explain how the law applies in your situation and what procedures you will need to follow when pursuing compensation. They can also speak to insurance companies on your behalf and advise you of whether it may be beneficial to file a premises liability lawsuit against the responsible party or parties.

5 . Be Mindful of Time Limits

The “statute of limitations” serves as a time limit for when you can take legal action to recover compensation for injuries. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries, you may lose the right to do so. In addition, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and make sure you take the correct steps to protect your rights. Your attorney can advise you on what deadlines you will need to meet, and they can ensure that the proper procedures are followed as you seek the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Wooster Premises Liability Attorney

If you have been injured at a store during the holiday season, you should not hesitate to seek legal help and determine your options for recovering financial compensation. At The Law Office of Whitney K.S. Miller, LLC, our Wayne County premises liability lawyer is ready to work with you to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To schedule your consultation, please contact us today at 330-725-4114.