Any time a person is injured, the first thing the injured person should be concerned with is their injury. However, if you are injured while shopping, there may be legal considerations that, if you are able to remember, could be the evidence you never thought you’d need.
When a person is injured in a store, their first thought is rarely about suing the responsible party. However, if the injury happens at a retail store, it’s a good idea to immediately gather some evidence as your legal case could depend on it, and those types of injuries frequently lead to legal claims.
Get Help in the Store
If you are severely injured in a store, such as in a slip and fall accident, waiting for paramedics to arrive is probably best. Serious injuries can be exacerbated by movement. However, even if you are not badly injured, getting help in the store is recommended, even if it is just to get a band-aid.
At a bare minimum, you should report your injury to a manager. Sometimes a store will want to get your statement. If they do, just describe what happened, where it happened, and how you were injured. If you are unable to report the injury immediately after it happens, try to do so as soon as possible after. Sometime just calling the corporate office of the store will be enough, but it is always best to make a report at the location if possible.
Get Witness Information
It is important to get witness information, if possible. If other customers saw what happened, politely ask if they would provide you with their contact information in case the store disputes what happened. Independent witnesses can prove to be invaluable when proving a case.
Take Pictures
While you may be in pain, taking pictures at the time of the incident can be very helpful. If you slipped and fell due to a wet floor, or other temporary condition, the pictures you take in the moments after the accident could be the only photos of the incident at all.
As soon as possible after an in-store injury, you should contact an experienced injury attorney to evaluate your claim.