Shopping in a big box store is an everyday activity for many people. However, have you thought about what you should do if you experience a slip-and-fall accident in one?
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, more than 2 million slip-and-fall injuries caused by unsafe floor conditions occur each year. They result in over 1 million trips to the hospital and continue to be one of the leading causes of workday loss to illness or injury. If you fell and suffered an injury in a big box store, learn the first steps you must take to help with your recovery and compensation.
Report the incident to a manager
Tell the manager right away. Every major retail store should have an injury reporting system. Do not leave the store without receiving a copy of the report, and double-check that the manager documented and reported the incident.
Get medical attention
If you are severely hurt, call 911. If you can leave the scene on your own, you should still seek medical attention. Sometimes due to shock or overnight swelling, you may not feel the full effects of your injury until later.
Do not downplay your injuries
Do not tell the store employees that you are fine. Again, you may not realize the severity of your injury right away. They can use your statements against you later to prevent you from receiving your just compensation.
Take pictures and locate witnesses
Finally, document the scene with pictures and get contact information from any witnesses. It is also good to take photos of your injury throughout the healing process.
A slip-and-fall can lead to months or years of recovery. If a retailer is at fault, you do not want to pay for their mistake.