What To Do If You Slip and Fall in a Michigan Grocery Store

The National Safety Council reported that in 2020, falls were the leading reason for preventable nonfatal injuries in the United States. In 2021, falls were ranked third in the same list, next to poisoning (ranked 1st) and motor vehicle accidents (ranked 2nd). The National Floor Safety Institute also stated that slips and falls account for about one million annual emergency visits.  More slip and fall statistics for 2023 can be found here.

Slips and falls are almost always a safety issue. They happen because a party was negligent or did not exercise their duty to ensure the safety of others.

If you or a loved one were unfortunate to get hurt in a grocery store, it’s possible to hold the grocery store liable. However, given the complexity of a personal injury claim, you might want to hire a slip and fall accident lawyer to help you. In Michigan, The Clark Law Office is your trusted personal injury law firm. Read on for a brief guide on determining your right to monetary compensation for your or your family’s injury.

Leading Causes of Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents

Every slip and fall accident is unique. However, some causes are more common than others. Some of the most common slip and fall causes in grocery stores are due to dangerous conditions, such as:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Exposed electric cords or wires
  • Recently mopped or newly waxed floors
  • Spilled milk and other food spills
  • Parking lot potholes
  • Slippery parking lots due to ice and snow, black ice, or hail
  • Water leaks
  • Unattended boxes and fallen objects from shelves that cause tripping hazards
  • Broken Sidewalks

If you suffered from an injury inside a grocery store, it’s always best to check if you have a valid claim. A trusted personal injury attorney can help enlighten you based on the unique circumstances surrounding your case.

Common Injuries Obtained From a Slip and Fall Accident in Supermarkets

The following injuries from fall accidents can range from minor to severe:

  • Broken bones
  • Fractured bones
  • Pelvis and hip injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Torn ligaments
  • Strained muscles
  • Concussion

It’s always a good idea to have yourself checked by a doctor, even if your injury seem minor, because delayed symptoms are prevalent.

Is the Grocery Store Liable?

Accidents happen for a reason. In the case of a slip and fall accident in a grocery store, the accident may be due to the negligence of a party, such as the grocery store owners. Also, based on premises liability, a grocery store owner can be held liable because they have a responsibility to ensure that the guests and their property are safe from injuries, accidents, and potential hazards.

To show premises liability, negligence on the part of the grocery store must be proven. Your personal injury lawyer must show that the store failed to prevent people from getting injured while on their store premises. Basically, the following elements must be proved:

  1. The grocery store has a legal duty under the circumstances to act reasonably.
  2. The grocery store breached its duty.
  3. The grocery store’s breach of their legal duty caused the victim’s injuries.
  4. The victim suffered damages.

Some usual questions you would ask are the following:

  • Did the grocery store employee put a visible warning sign?
  • Did the store manager ensure to check the lighting, wires, and alleyways?
  • Did the store owner timely repair the broken tiles or shelves?

Proving negligence in these slip and fall cases requires investigation, documentation, and advanced knowledge of civil law. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Michigan would increase your chances of a positive outcome.

What to Do if You Slip and Fall in a Store

Every step you take following the slip and fall accident is vital to your personal injury claim. Here are the steps to take:

  1. Seek medical attention and treatment immediately.
  2. Report the incident to the manager.
  3. Request an incident report.
  4. Take many pictures of the accident scene.
  5. Talk to witnesses.
  6. Get copies of the surveillance footage.
  7. Get the insurance information of the store.
  8. Hire an experienced slip-and-fall attorney.

How a Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help You Seek Compensation

You deserve a fair settlement even if your injuries are minor or your recovery was quick. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores don’t just happen out of nowhere. You don’t get injured because you’re unlucky but because someone was remiss in their duty. You will actually do the store owner and the other customers a favor if you assert your right to damages.

A slip-and-fall lawyer can help:

  • Gather reports, documents, and other evidence like video footage.
  • Calculate your damages based on your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
  • Send a demand letter to the negligent party.
  • Negotiate with the store’s insurance company for a favorable settlement.
  • Build a strong case and file a personal injury lawsuit.

While you are well within your right to represent yourself, navigating personal injury laws and proving premises liability can get intricate. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to hire an established attorney. Much is at stake to face insurance companies of big supermarkets on your own. Seasoned fall attorneys know the evidence you need to recover compensation from the negligent store or property owner.

Talk to a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation.

For a personal injury claim based on negligence by the store owner to prosper, their legal duty to keep their customers safe must first be established. Afterward, we will help you determine who to hold accountable for your fall injuries in Michigan, whether it be the owner, manager, or store employees. Did someone forget to put a “wet floor” sign after mopping the floors? Were the bulbs not replaced on time? Was the grocery store slip caused by uneven pavement? We’ll study your case and work to establish the store’s negligence.

Remember that under the statute of limitations, you only have three years from the incident to file a slip and fall lawsuit. Do not wait until the last minute or you’ll risk losing your right forever. Our trusted slip and fall attorneys in Michigan at The Clark Law Office is a call away. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

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