What To Do After A Slip-And-Fall Accident At A Grocery Store

While running your errands at your local Pomona grocery store, the last thing on your mind may be suffering a serious injury. Yet, slip-and-fall accidents at grocery stores are common and can lead to injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries and more.

You may exercise reasonable caution while selecting produce or wheeling your cart through the various aisles. However, unexpected circumstances or negligent actions by store employees can dramatically alter your otherwise routine errand. What should you know about grocery store injuries and what to do after an accident?

Common causes of grocery store slip and falls

A slip-and-fall accident can occur due to wet, unmarked or otherwise hazardous surfaces. Unfortunately, such circumstances are fairly common, especially in grocery stores where spilled products, freshly cleaned floors and more can all affect shoppers. Some common hazards you may encounter can include spilled food or drinks, unmarked mopped floors, frayed or unsecured entrance mats, cracked pavement in the parking lot and more.

What to do after an accident

Store owners must exercise reasonable care in protecting consumers and those on their premises. When they fail to uphold this duty, you may pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered due to their negligence.

After an accident, take the following steps:

• Document the scene. If possible, immediately after the accident document the state of the scene. Take photos, identify the exact cause and more.
• Report the incident to the store. As soon as you can, report both the accident and your injuries to the store manager to alert them to the incident.
• Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries are relatively minor, seek medical attention to evaluate the full scope of your injuries and document the visit.
• Write down details from the scene. Document everything you recall about the accident scene, including moments leading up to the fall and after.

Victims of slip-and-fall accidents must abide by strict deadlines in California to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations. To recover the compensation you are due, file your personal injury claim within two years of the accident. Because slip-and-fall accidents require proving negligence on behalf of the store owner or employees, filing your claim as soon as possible can strengthen your case.