More than 2,000 slip and fall accidents took place in 2011 (a 12% increase from 2010), according to a report released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Although you have heard that slip and fall accidents are common, you have never experienced a same-level fall until now.
You may have been getting your groceries on your normal routine grocery run at your local supermarket when your feet lost traction and down you went. At first, you may have been embarrassed that you fell in the grocery store, but then you realized that you slipped and fell due to spilled liquid on the ground. Just about that time, a customer came around the corner and found you on the ground in pain. In conversation, she said that she pointed out that spill to a grocery store employee who had not cleaned it up.
It may seem to you that you have an obvious case; however, stores often will attempt to deny liability by claiming that you should have watched where you were walking and should have seen the hazardous condition. They may seem unconcerned about you and almost blame you for falling. However, they do know that an employee was warned of the dangerous condition and did nothing to remedy it. With this in mind, they may attempt to settle your slip and fall case by offering to pay your medical bills before you even file a lawsuit.
Why You Should Not Settle Without Talking With an Attorney First
Slip and fall accidents in Atlanta and nationwide are dangerous, producing serious injuries such as broken arms and legs, injured backs, injuries to the knees, fractured hips, and other injuries. When a slip and fall happens on a hard surface, such as the grocery store ground, severe damage can occur. Sometimes, injuries may not surface for several days—insurance companies for the stores know this and will try to limit their liability by offering you a fast settlement before you know the extent of your injuries.
You may incur additional expenses related to the fall, including additional medical bills, physical therapy costs, lost wages due to time off of work, and more. Compensation for these additional items as well as pain and suffering should be pursued through the legal system, and a skilled premises liability lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation.
When a grocery store was not kept safe and you suffered injuries in a Georgia slip and fall accident, that store needs to be held accountable for your damages. An experienced slip and fall attorney in Atlanta can protect your legal rights and guide you through the legal process. Call Shane Smith Law today for a free consultation at (980) 246-2656 to find out more.