In a bustling world where supermarkets are an integral part of daily life, mishaps can occur when we least expect them. From slipping on a spilled beverage to tripping over an uneven floor tile, supermarket accidents are surprisingly common and can lead to painful injuries. If you’ve recently sustained an injury in a supermarket accident, you’re most likely wondering whether you’ll qualify for financial compensation. Please continue reading and reach out to the dedicated Rockland County supermarket accident lawyers here at Mitchell J. Schroeder, P.C. to learn more about supermarket accidents and how we can help you get the justice you deserve. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do I know if I’m entitled to compensation for a supermarket accident injury?
To recover compensation for a supermarket accident injury, you’ll need to prove several things. First, you must prove that a safety hazard was present. You must then prove that the property owner or supermarket staff either knew or should have reasonably known about the safety hazard and failed to fix it timely. Finally, you will have to prove that you encountered the safety hazard, that the safety hazard was the direct cause of your injury, and that you incurred real, tangible damages as a result. Some common examples of safety hazards we see appear in grocery stores are as follows:
- Wet floors
- Slippery produce sections
- Falling merchandise
- Uneven surfaces
- Spilled liquids
- Poor lighting
- Crowded aisles
- Loose floor mats
If you can prove that you were injured due to encountering any of the aforementioned, there is a strong chance you will have a valid personal injury claim. That said, you shouldn’t file your claim without a competent personal injury attorney in your corner. Our firm can work to gather and present evidence to corroborate your claim and satisfy the burden of proof. Some examples of useful evidence in personal injury claims of this nature can include:
- Surveillance footage of your accident
- A copy of the store incident report filed in response to your accident
- Medical documentation detailing the extent of your injuries
- Witness statements
- Pictures of the hazard that caused your injury
- A police report filed at the scene, if applicable
How long will I have to file a personal injury claim in New York State?
Generally, in New York State, you will have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against a negligent property owner or manager. Unfortunately, to meet this strict deadline, it can result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether. Don’t let time slip away; contact an experienced personal injury lawyer from Mitchell J. Schroeder today so we can get started working on your claim.
