Slip and Fall at a Big Box Store: How to File a Claim

Big box stores don't always take the necessary precautions to ensure customer safety. Employees and store managers might fail to properly clean and maintain the premises, leading to slip and fall hazards. If you recently slipped, fell, and were injured at a big box store in Los Angeles, here's how to file a claim and pursue financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

Document the Accident Immediately

Like all businesses, big box stores have a duty to provide a safe environment for shoppers. If a big box store or its employees fail to prevent foreseeable falls—for example, by not quickly mopping up spills or posting wet floor warnings—they can be held responsible for resulting slip and fall accidents. As the injured victim, it's your responsibility to prove your premises liability lawsuit. This requires clear and convincing evidence of the store's fault.

You can start building your injury claim right away by gathering evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident area and the hazard(s) that caused your fall. Talk to eyewitnesses and get their names and phone numbers for later statements. Check for security cameras that might have captured the incident.

Report the Fall to an Employee

Immediately report your slip and fall accident to a store employee. Explain that you fell and might be injured. Request an official accident report, which will document the incident in detail. The report should include the exact time, date, and location of the fall, as well as the name of the person who took your report. The employee might also be able to help you obtain a copy of any surveillance footage.

Seek Medical Attention

Medical care is crucial for both your physical recovery and your insurance claim. Go to the nearest hospital for injury diagnosis and treatment. Common injuries from slip and fall accidents in big box stores include broken wrists, hip fractures, muscle sprains and strains, back injuries, herniated discs, head injuries, brain injuries, and cuts and scrapes. Request copies of all your medical records and bills.

Determine if You Have a Case

You may have grounds to file a slip and fall claim against the big box store if the company or an employee was negligent and this negligence directly caused your accident. In premises liability law, negligence means a person or party didn't take proper care in maintaining their property. For example, if employees ignored food debris on the floor for three hours before you slipped, this could be proof of employee negligence and the store's liability.

Contact a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

If you believe you have grounds for an insurance claim, start the legal process by contacting a Los Angeles slip and fall attorney. Describe your accident to a lawyer, who will assess its merit as a premises liability claim. If they agree to represent you, your attorney can take over the case on your behalf. They can contact the store's liability insurance provider while you focus on recovering.

Big box stores are powerful corporations with significant resources to dedicate to injury cases. Hiring an attorney can help you level the playing field. A lawyer can handle the burden of proof and argue for maximum compensation for your injuries. For more information about starting a slip and fall claim against a big box store, contact the Law Office of Arta Wildeboer in Downey, CA for a free consultation. (562) 608-8887