If you get injured at a store or other business, it may entitle you to receive damages. However, these situations can be complex. This guide will provide 4 things you should do if this happens to you.
Seek Medical Help
One of the first things you should do is assess the extent of your injuries. Make a note of any pain or dizziness you experience when moving, as moving can aggravate some injuries. Call for emergency medical help right away if you believe you have a serious injury, such as a broken bone, or a dislocated joint. Proceed with caution if you feel comfortable walking.
Even if you do not feel pain and can move, go to a doctor to have an examination as soon as possible. Some injuries can be hidden or not appear till days later. A doctor’s examination can reveal these types of injuries and the doctor can set up treatments and tell you what to watch out for if the injury could lead to further complications. If the initial examination reveals nothing serious, your doctor will notify you if additional examinations are required.
File an Incident Report with the Store
If a store employee hasn’t already come over to help you, call one and asked them to speak with the store manager or owner. You need to speak with someone in management or the store owner so they can file an incident report. Even if the injury does not seem severe at the moment, report the incident in person to the manager or owner of the store. If you cannot report your injury in person, report it by phone as soon as possible.
Stick to the facts as you know them when filing your report, and avoid discussing fault or providing too many details. Be sure to request a copy of the incident report to keep in your records.
Collect Evidence and Speak with Witnesses
The next step is to document the incident, if possible, as soon as you can. You’ll want to take pictures of your injuries and collect any evidence that supports your claim that there was negligence or willful misconduct on behalf of the store or business. For example, if you can take pictures with your phone, then take some of the place your injury occurred and what you think caused the injury. Also, if the store has video footage showing how you were injured, you need to ask for a copy. You should also speak with witnesses and gather their contact information and get an idea of what they might have seen.
Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured at a store or other business, consider hiring a personal injury attorney. Often, these types of incidents are complex and require the expertise of an experienced lawyer who focuses on this area of law.
Furthermore, depending on the type of injury you have sustained, you may not be able to follow up on the steps advised above on your own. An experienced attorney can have the resources to gather evidence to support your claim and pursue the parties responsible for your injuries.
If you need help filing an injury claim against a store or other business, contact Brock & Stout’s personal injury lawyers today for a free evaluation. We have over 25 years of experience helping clients pursue injury claims and would like to assist you in getting the compensation you need.