DIAL '3' FOR ME
334-333-3333We’ve all slipped and fell at some point in our lives. In most cases, it’s due to clumsiness and our pride is the only thing that gets hurt. However, some slip and fall accidents are more serious. They result in injuries and they may be due to negligence on the part of an individual or business. Falls can result from spilled liquids, icy walkways, loose carpets, or uneven floors among myriad other causes.
If you were out doing your grocery shopping and you somehow slipped and fell, you may be wondering about your options. Slips and falls can happen in the blink of an eye but filing a claim for compensation can be quite complex. To determine if you can hold the store responsible, you should seek advice from a skilled slip and fall attorney. As you’ll soon see, they will play a major role in your case.
Before you can make a case for compensation, you need to establish clear liability on the part of the grocery store. This means proving that they caused you to slip and fall or failed to prevent your accident. This usually involves presenting evidence that:
If workers in the grocery store left spilled milk on the floor for hours and didn’t place a warning sign, you probably have a case. However, if you walked by as soon as another customer dropped a bottle of milk and you slipped, it may be difficult to hold the store responsible.
There wouldn’t have been enough time for anyone to notice the spill or clean it up. Of course, each accident has its peculiarities so you should get guidance from an Alabama personal injury attorney.
The grocery store’s insurer is unlikely to simply accept your claim. They’re more likely to try to minimize their role in the accident and put the blame on you. They may say you weren’t looking to see where you were going, or you strayed into an off-limits area.
Alternatively, they may argue that it should have been obvious that the floor was wet or slippery. Your attorney will know how to counter these claims.
There are several types of damages victims can claim following an accident depending on their losses. Let’s look at some of the most common.
These are likely to make up a significant part of your claim. After you fall, you need to get medical attention as soon as possible. While some victims only suffer minor bruises, others injure their backs or hit their heads. You may need x-rays and other scans, medication, physical therapy, and even surgery, depending on how badly you were hurt.
This can all amount to thousands of dollars and you shouldn’t have to foot the bills alone if you weren’t at fault. Be sure to hold on to all the receipts and invoices relating to your injuries. Your lawyer will use these and other types of evidence to support your claim.
If your injuries are serious, you’ll have to take time off work. This means you won’t be getting paid. You should be entitled to compensation for the money you lose whether you miss two weeks or two months.
If you can no longer perform your usual duties or do any type of work at all, you should get damages for your lost earning capacity. Evidence of your previous earnings and expert testimony on your inability to resume work will support your claim.
Not all your losses will be tangible. You may suffer pain, mental suffering, anxiety, embarrassment, and other psychological and physical consequences. The more serious your physical injuries are, the more extreme your suffering is likely to be. The law allows you to claim compensation for these types of losses even though it’s not easy to quantify them. Your Alabama personal injury attorney will help you to prove you suffered these damages.
If you’re looking for experienced Alabama personal injury lawyers, call The Vance Law Firm. It may be challenging to get the grocery store to accept responsibility, so you’ll need a competent attorney on your side. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and let us review your case.
