What To Do If You Fall And Are Injured In a Georgia Store
Slip and fall injuries are more common than many people think. It’s not unusual for someone in the store to know of the hazard and not fix it. Store owners have a legal obligation to keep their stores safe from dangerous situations.
There are specific laws regarding retail store negligence. And, if you slip and fall in a Georgia store, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
7 Steps to Take if You Fall in a Store
Besides being extremely embarrassing, falling in a store can cause you physical, even long-term injury. Every incident is different, but there are several steps to take if you fall in a store.
1. Be Careful
Do not try to get up right away; you may be more injured than you realize. Get up with assistance as needed.
2. Collect Information
The person in charge will most likely fill out an incident report telling what, when and why the incident happened. Ask for a copy of the report and write down the name of the manager and time and place of the accident. Take pictures if you can.
3. Watch What You Say!
You do not need to be rude, but be careful what you say. Statements such as “I’m okay” or “I should have been more careful” may damage your case. Do not speak to their attorney or insurance company without first speaking with an attorney.
4. Talk to witnesses
Get the contact information of anyone who may have seen what happened or noticed the hazard.
5. Request a copy of the security video
Ask for a copy of the recorded incident. It’s alright if the manager does not give it to you. Your attorney can subpoena the footage if later needed.
6. Seek medical attention
Visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show themselves right away.
7. Call a personal injury attorney
Even if you don’t need an attorney, it’s best to speak with a personal injury attorney while the incident is fresh in your mind. Personal injury attorneys have experience and training in cases where individuals have been injured, physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency or any entity.
If you wait until later to hire an attorney, the other side may say you waited too long.
Remain calm if you slip and fall in a store. Understanding what is happening around you will help create a solid legal case. Do not yell and place blame, but also do not pretend you aren’t hurt or injured.
What You Need to Know About Your Personal Injury Case
If you are injured, your attorney will investigate your case. But you need to be aware of some limitations.
There is a timeframe when you can bring a lawsuit against a store. According to Georgia Code section 9-3-33, “Actions for injuries to the person shall be brought within two years after the right of action accrues…” You don’t want to wait too long to pursue your personal injury case.
Comparative negligence is defined as - if a person contributed to the accident, their awards or damages are reduced by the percentage they are at fault. For example, you are partially responsible for that accident if you stepped over the ropes with a ‘wet floor’ signed and slipped and fell on the wet floor. Your negligence can reduce your compensation.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney will help you navigate complicated and confusing personal injury lawsuits. An attorney will also guide you in the claims process when seeking compensation.
Gwinnett County Personal Injury
A slip and fall injury can cost you money, loss of time at work, medical bills, stress and other complications. You need a personal injury attorney to help you with your claim and receive fair compensation. Perimeter Law Group will fight to get you justice and the settlement you deserve.
If you suffer from a slip ad fall, please contact your trusted legal partner, the team at Perimeter Law Group. Schedule an appointment with us today or call us at 678-253-8133 to discuss your situation.
