What To Do After A Slip and Fall Accident in a Greenville, North Carolina Grocery Store, Restaurant, or Other Retail Business
Step One: Report The Incident
You should immediately report the incident to the store manager or other appropriate personnel. If there are no store employees available, you should look for a customer service desk or telephone. It is important to make sure that your accident is properly documented and that an incident report is created.
Step Two: Identify What Caused The Slip And Fall Accident.
Once you have reported the incident and sought medical attention, you should try to identify what caused the slip-and-fall accident. If you can identify the cause of the accident, it will be easier to prove that the business was at fault. Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include wet floors, loose carpeting, and icy sidewalks. This will be helpful evidence if you can take pictures of the hazard that caused your accident.
Step Three: Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to have them evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as head injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
If you do not seek medical attention right away, you may have a more difficult time proving that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Step Four: Gather Witness Information
You should get the contact information of any witnesses to your accident. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony about what happened and how the business should have prevented the accident.
Step Five: Contact A Greenville Slip And Fall Attorney
After you have sought medical attention and gathered evidence, you should contact a slip-and-fall attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.
Step Six: Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company Without Your Lawyer
You should not give a statement to the business’s insurance company without first speaking to your lawyer. The insurance adjuster will likely try to get you to say something that can be used to minimize your claim.
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a grocery store, restaurant, or other retail business in Greenville, NC, following these steps will help you protect your legal rights and maximize your compensation. Contact an experienced Greenville slip-and-fall attorney to get started on your claim.
Premises Liability Law in Greenville, North Carolina
Slip and fall accidents are governed by premises liability law in North Carolina. This area of personal injury law requires property owners to keep their property safe for visitors. If a property owner fails to do this, they may be held liable for any injuries on their property.
To recover compensation in a slip-and-fall case, you must prove that the property owner was at fault. You can do this by showing that they knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your accident but did not take steps to fix it.
How Contributory Negligence in North Carolina Impacts Premises Liability Claims
In North Carolina, you may be barred from recovery if you are found to be partially at fault for your accident. For example, the property owner may attempt to claim that you were aware of the danger and therefore claim that you were partially at fault for your injuries. If the dangerous condition is considered open and obvious and you failed to avoid it, you would be barred from recovery.
How Can I Prove Fault In a Greenville Slip and Fall Case?
There are several ways to prove fault in a Greenville slip-and-fall case. One way is to show that the business knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your accident but did not take steps to fix it. For example, if you slipped on a wet floor, you can prove that the business was at fault by showing that they knew the floor was wet but did not put up a sign or take other steps to warn customers.
Another way to prove fault is to show that the business did not take reasonable steps to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. For example, if you slipped on an icy sidewalk, you may be able to prove that the company was at fault by showing that they created an unsafe accumulation of snow or ice on their property.
An experienced Greenville personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence and prove fault if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident. Contact a lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor to get started on your claim.
What Are Some Common Injuries Suffered in Greenville Slip And Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries like broken bones and head injuries. Some of the most common slip-and-fall injuries include:
- Wrist fractures
- Hip fractures
- Knee injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered any of these injuries in a slip and fall accident. Contact a Greenville personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
What Damages Can I Recover In A Greenville Slip And Fall Case?
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced Greenville personal injury attorney can help you maximize your compensation.
The Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Cases in Greenville, North Carolina
You have limited time to file a premises liability claim in North Carolina. The statute of limitations for these cases is three years from the date of the accident. You must file your claim within three years or be barred from recovery.
Contact our Slip and Fall Lawyers in Greenville, NC
If you have been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, contact an experienced Greenville personal injury attorney today. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, prove fault, and recover the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped many slip-and-fall victims recover compensation for their injuries. We offer a free consultation to help you learn more about your legal rights and options. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.