The last thing you expect to happen when you go shopping at your local Walmart is to slip and fall in the store. After all, you’ve probably been there plenty of times and nothing has ever happened. However, things worked out differently this time, and you sustained an injury while shopping. Besides being in shock, you may not know what to do at that moment. Among the many thoughts that may go through your mind is the fact that Walmart is a big and solid retailer, and they will probably have your best interests at heart. Sadly, the reality of the situation is precisely the opposite.
Walmart is the largest retailer in the United States and they have put in place the necessary instruments to make it hard for you to sue them They have a team of skilled lawyers who know how to negotiate, and they will work to make it almost impossible to get money out of them. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to strengthen your case. By working with an experienced accident attorney, you may be able to file a successful claim against Walmart for the slip and fall and subsequent injuries you sustained in their store in Florida. Read on to learn more about what you need to do when you are in this situation.
Gather Evidence
You will never have another opportunity to gather as much evidence to support your claim as at the moment you fell, so be prepared to document the scene and take these actions:
- Take pictures – Using your cell phone, take pictures of whatever caused you to slip and fall. Keep in mind that Walmart employees will rush to the scene as soon as they know you have fallen and will clean up the water spill, put those boxes back in their place, organize the cables that were left in the middle of the aisle, and, in general, do away with crucial pieces of evidence. Waste no time in photographing the area and whatever caused your fall. Also, take pictures of yourself and your injuries.
- Talk to witnesses – There are usually quite a lot of people in Walmart’s aisles. Ask those who saw what happened to give you their testimonies, which you can also record using your phone. Get their contact information in case you need to reach out to them when you file a claim.
- Contact the store manager – Walmart needs to be made aware of your accident as soon as possible, and the manager will likely file a report. Ask for a copy of this document to give to your attorney.
Get Medical Help
Get a full medical checkup as soon as possible. Some injuries are quite obvious while others may be difficult to detect — but there’s still a risk if left untreated. Ask your treating physician to make it clear in your medical records that the injuries you present are directly related to your slip and fall.
Follow all aspects of your treatment plan, including physical therapy sessions, medications, and any other treatment. Do not skip any appointment. You must make it clear when you file a claim that your health is important to you and you took all the needed steps to make sure you recovered promptly.
Keep a Detailed File
As soon as you can, write down everything that happened. You may think this is something you will never forget, but that may not be the case, particularly if you’re dealing with pain and countless medical appointments. Take pictures of your injuries as the treatment progresses and keep a detailed file of all medical expenses. Add to it all information regarding the wages or other income you have been unable to earn while taking care of your health and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. Your accident lawyer will use this information to build your case and determine how much compensation you deserve.
Hire Legal Representation
When you are dealing with a giant the size of Walmart, you should not deal with the legal aspects of your case on your own. You should find a skilled lawyer who will not be intimidated when filing a claim against this retailer. Look for one who has a proven track record of bringing home settlements from large corporations.
Working with an experienced accident attorney will help you determine whether your slip or fall accident claim is valid and how much the claim is worth. Your lawyer will also help make it clear that it was Walmart’s negligence that caused your injuries. They will build a strong case for your defense and file all legal paperwork to move things forward. Your lawyer will serve as a barrier between you and the aggressive claims representatives or attorneys on Walmart’s side.
A knowledgeable accident attorney is a skilled negotiator and will be prepared to do away with Walmart’s aggressive tactics to dissuade you from filing a claim. They will know what to do to push Walmart to give you the compensation you deserve.
Are You a Walmart Employee Who Has Slipped and Fallen While Working In the Store?
As an injured employee, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim against Walmart. They may make you contact a third-party administrator called Claims Management, Inc. who will likely put obstacles in your way to make it hard to file your claim. Inform your supervisor and get medical attention right away. Also, get a workers’ compensation attorney to help you with your claim.
Whether you are a customer or an employee, 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical directory service that can put you in touch with the slip-and-fall attorney you need to file a successful lawsuit against Walmart in Florida. Call today.