It's no secret that an injury while running errands is a sure way to ruin your day, especially if the retail establishment was at fault. In this case, it makes sense that you would expect them to cover the expenses incurred by their negligence. When filing a personal injury claim against a retail establishment, make sure to avoid making the following mistakes.
#1: Failing to collect immediate evidence
Most injuries to customers at retail establishments are the result of temporary negligence – a water spill that wasn't cleaned in a timely manner or a loose hand rail, for example. This means the establishment can quickly fix the situation and leave you with no evidence that their negligence caused your injury. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene while awaiting medical personnel. Also, collect names and contact details of any witnesses. You should also contact a lawyer right away so that they can document the accident scene and put in requests for copies of any video surveillance footage that may have captured the incident.
#2: Skipping the medical check
Visit a doctor as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Sometimes, a small bruise may indicate something more severe, such as a fracture or a torn ligament. If you must go to the emergency room, keep all documentation from the visit as well as any ongoing medical records. Otherwise, go to urgent care for an assessment if your family doctor can't see you the same day. Failure to seek medical attention right away can be used against you with the argument that your injuries weren't severe if you didn't see a doctor. It is also a good idea to take photos of any injuries so you have a record of their severity.
#3: Staying ignorant of deadlines
Every state has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. Failure to make a claim within this window means you will be unable to collect any damages for your injury. Once you have filed a claim, you will be presented with a new timetable of deadlines for providing evidence and scheduling court dates. Your best option is to have a calendar dedicated to tracking your claim's deadlines. You should also consult with a lawyer right away to ensure that everything is filed for your case by any deadlines.
For more help in filing your claim or with going to court for your case, contact a personal injury attorney at firms like Burke Schultz Harman & Jenkinson Attorneys at Law in your area.
