With how often you go to the supermarket, you likely assume that it is a safe space to frequent. However, what you likely do not know is that supermarkets can be home to many personal injury accidents. So in the unfortunate event that you are involved in one, you must know how to move forward. Read on to discover why supermarket accidents commonly occur and how a seasoned Morris County supermarket liability attorney at Lutz Injury Law can walk you through your legal situation.
Why do supermarket accidents commonly occur in the state of New Jersey?
You may not think about it when you are at the supermarket, but there are a number of ways an accident may occur. Most often, they are due to the negligence of supermarket staff or management. Common examples are as follows:
- Spills in aisles.
- Spills in unattended restrooms.
- Poorly placed or missing floor mats.
- Unstable or faulty product displays.
- Loose products falling from the shelves.
- Defective automatic entrance and exit doors.
- Spoiled food for sale or for sample.
What damages can I recover after my supermarket accident?
If you believe that your supermarket accident was due to a staff member’s or manager’s negligence to ensure that the premises are safe, then you must take rightful action and file a personal injury claim. With a successful claim, you will be given access to recover the damages you incurred from your accident. Such damages may include economic damages and/or non-economic damages. Common examples are as follows:
- Economic damages:
- Current and future medical bills.
- Current and future lost wages.
- Rehabilitation.
- Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of independence.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
What do I need to do to recover damages after my supermarket accident?
To have a successful claim that will allow you to recover your damages, you must fulfill your duty in satisfying the burden or proof. That is, you must have enough evidence that shows the staff member’s or manager’s negligence. Common examples are as follows:
- A copy of the official police report conducted by a law enforcement officer.
- A copy of the store incident report conducted by a store manager.
- Pictures and videos of the scene of the accident, its safety hazards, and your injuries and damages.
- The name, phone number, and email address of any present witnesses.
- A written or verbally-recorded recount of your accident by a present witness.
- Copies of your medical documentation concerning your injuries and their extent.
- Copies of your medical bills concerning the cost of your required treatments.
Also, surveillance camera footage of your accident occurring may be crucial evidence. Since supermarket owners are often hesitant to turn over this footage, a competent Morris County slip & fall attorney is needed to step in and subpoena the footage. That said, do not hesitate in reaching out to our firm.