Slip-and-fall accidents and trip-and-fall accidents can lead to severe injuries. In fact, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), they account for over 1 million emergency room visits annually.
What should you do if you’re injured after falling in a store? What legal options do you have to receive compensation for your injuries? And how can a personal injury attorney help? Here are the answers to your most pressing questions.
Examples of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Stores
Any number of unaddressed hazards can lead to a slip-and-fall accident in a retail store in South Carolina. For example, floors can be wet for various reasons. For example, there might be a leak, someone may have spilled something, an employee may have just cleaned the floor, or customers may have tracked water in if it’s raining.
Not every slip-and-fall accident happens on a flat surface, either. Stairs are a common spot for these accidents, especially if the stairs are cracked, broken, or uneven or if the railings are loose or nonexistent.
Tripping hazards may also exist within stores, such as worn-out carpets, places where different floor materials meet, or uneven surfaces like single steps. And if the store has dim lighting, identifying these hazards to avoid a fall can be even more challenging.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Nearly 7 million people suffered some level of injuries in falls in a single recent year, according to the National Safety Council. In a best-case scenario, a slip-and-fall might result in a bruise. However, slip-and-falls can also result in far more severe injuries – ones with long-lasting impacts. For example, the NFSI states that five percent of falls result in fractures.
Most fractures require at least some level of medical treatment, including X-rays, casts, prescription painkillers, or even surgeries. Depending on your age, a fracture can be an even more severe injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults.
Some slips may also result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) if the victim’s head hits the ground or another hard surface. A TBI can have life-long effects, including changes in cognition, personality, and self-sufficiency.
Steps You Need to Take After a Slip-and-Fall Injury in a Store
After a slip and fall at a store, there are a few steps you should take that can help your compensation claim:
- Seek medical treatment. Immediate medical treatment is vital, and ongoing medical treatment is just as necessary. Make sure to attend all appointments with your doctor and continue following their prescribed treatment regimen.
- Report the accident. Alert the store manager or business owner about the accident. Ask them to take an incident report and request a copy for your records.
- Document your injuries. Take pictures of your injuries as soon as possible and over time as they heal. Also, consider keeping a journal where you write down your pain levels each day and how your injuries impact your life. These can be crucial evidence in your case to demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
- Document the accident scene. Take pictures of the scene where you fell. If you slipped on an uneven staircase, get a picture of the stairs in question, for example. If you can’t physically go to take these pictures, have someone else take them for you.
- Get help from our South Carolina slip-and-fall attorneys. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident in a store, contact a personal injury lawyer at the Jebaily Law Firm for a free consultation as soon as possible. Our experienced slip and fall attorneys are ready to evaluate your premises liability claim and explain your legal options.
