There’s nothing quite like the chaos of grocery shopping on a busy day. Customers leisurely browse through the aisles, or power walk their way through the store. Even though it’s crowded, you stay focused on getting what you need to prepare delicious meals for the week. As you cross items off your grocery list and move on to get your next item, you unexpectedly tumble. Minutes before, a customer spilled their coffee. Although employees quickly cleaned up the mess, the floor remained slick. Falling in a grocery store can result in major injuries and costly medical bills. This can add stress to your life and your well-being. That’s why you need an experienced attorney like Matthew Breen on your side. He has helped his clients with slip and fall grocery store settlements and can get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall incidents are surprisingly common, accounting for over one million visits to the emergency room annually. Often, slips and falls result from maintenance issues and store practices. The most common cause is wet or slippery floors. Whether a customer dropped a beverage or the floor was recently mopped, it creates unsafe conditions for patrons.
Another common cause is poorly maintained entranceways. Customers bring in rainwater, dirt, and other debris, which can accumulate at store entrances. If these entranceways are not maintained, the area becomes hazardous.
Other causes of slip and fall injuries are obstructed walkways, broken merchandise, and inadequate lighting. Regardless of the reason, it is frustrating to fall—especially for older adults—and can cause several injuries and add pain and discomfort to your daily life. You may be entitled to compensation if your injury costs you medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering. There are a few things you must do to build a strong case.
What To Do After You Slip and Fall at a Grocery Store
After a slip and fall at a grocery store, you should take the following steps to protect your health and any legal claims:
- Check yourself for injuries. If you are hurt, ask for help and avoid moving.
- Notify the store manager or an employee right away. Make sure they officially document the incident and file a report. Ask for a copy of this report for your records.
- Document the scene. Take photos or videos of the area where you fell. If you can, photograph your injuries as well.
- Seek medical attention. Going to the hospital by ambulance is important, as this can further support your case.
- Contact Attorney Breen. He has years of experience and has secured settlements for clients.
In a slip and fall incident, time is of the essence. In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. That is why you should act quickly and contact Attorney Breen right away.
Do I Have a Case for My Injuries?
The answer isn’t so straightforward. In South Carolina, slip and fall incidents fall under a broad category of premises liability law. The purpose of these laws is to determine when a property owner or occupier can be held legally responsible for injuries that happen on their property.
By law, property owners and managers have a duty of care to keep their premises safe for visitors. They must promptly address any hazards and warn visitors about the known risks. If a grocery store manager knew about the spill and did not clean it or place a warning sign in the area, they could be held responsible. You’ll need an attorney to help you prove that the store knew about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to address it.
Another factor to consider is the comparative negligence rule used in South Carolina. If you, the injured person, are found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault. In other words, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of the damages. If you were deemed 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages at all.
The damages you can claim include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses. This can consist of transportation costs to medical appointments or any home modifications necessary by your injury.
Battling all of this by yourself is daunting. Hiring Attorney Breen will simplify the process. He will gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation.
Slip and Fall Grocery Store Settlements Are Possible with Attorney Breen
After a slip and fall incident, the last thing you want to deal with is the frustration of a legal battle. By hiring an experienced attorney like Matthew Breen, you can expect peace of mind. You can focus on recovering while he works hard to secure your compensation. Call Attorney Breen today to book your free consultation and learn how you can get justice.
