According to Publix, the company has received numerous awards for customer service, and people generally enjoy the store environment. However, one overlooked hazard could ruin that for the shopper who experiences a slip and fall accident in a Publix store.
Slip and fall accidents often lead to serious and sometimes even fatal injuries, especially among older people, and they may have long-term effects on victims’ physical well-being and financial stability. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident at Publix, a lawyer can help you pursue adequate compensation for your losses. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (855) 933-4005 to discuss your case.
Serious Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
People of all ages have slip and fall accidents, but adults aged 65 and older typically suffer worse injuries than any other age group. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of older people fall each year, leading to over three millions emergency room visits and more than 800,000 hospitalizations, often for injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hip fractures.
Stores Should Have Policies in Place to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
In addition to regulations regarding the maintenance of a hazard-free workplace, stores should have their own policies in place to ensure the health and safety of their customers based on potential dangers, average number of daily customers, the layout of the store, and other relevant factors. Some ways that Publix stores can prevent customers from experiencing slip and fall accidents on their premises include:
- Cleaning up all spills and wet floor areas immediately
- Using bright, noticeable signage to denote hazards when necessary
- Securing all electrical cords and rugs
- Keeping walkways free of clutter
- Maintain adequate lighting throughout stores and parking lots
If you suffered an injury or lost someone you love due to an employee’s negligence, an injury lawyer for slip and fall accidents at Publix can help you determine if you have a case. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC online at any time, and a member of our legal team will reach out as soon as possible to speak with you.
Establishing Liability in Your Slip and Fall Accident Case
To pursue a premises liability claim, in which a property owner holds responsibility for causing your injury, you must first prove the fault of the employee, policy, or another company-related factor that led to your slip and fall accident. An attorney can then help you seek financial compensation from the liable party’s insurance company.
Proving Negligence
You can establish liability in your case by proving that the actions of the company or their personnel meet all four criteria for legal negligence. This means that the at-fault party must have had a duty of care to maintain your safety and breached that duty, leading to your injuries and subsequent damages. An injury lawyer for slip and fall accidents at Publix can help you do this by gathering information that can prove liability, such as:
- Surveillance video
- Photos of the scene, including your injuries
- Copies of company policies
- Proof of building code violations
- Eyewitness testimony
In some cases, your testimony may help build your case, as well.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Companies have liability insurance policies specifically for instances such as slip and fall accidents, but that does not mean their carriers readily provide compensation to victims. Insurance companies may offer an initial settlement that does not fairly cover a victim’s expenses or deny their claim entirely.
A lawyer can help by handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance companies for you and seeking fair compensation on your behalf.
An Injury Lawyer for Slip and Fall Accidents at Publix Can Help You Seek Compensation
You may qualify for one or more types of awards, depending on the circumstances of your case. Award amounts vary, as well, but an attorney can help you assess your damages so you can pursue adequate financial recovery, which may include payment for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, and other injury-related medical expenses
- Lost wages for time you had to take off work to recover from your injury
- Loss of earning capacity if your injury led to a disability that prevents you from returning to work or if you lost a loved one who provided you with financial support
- Pain and suffering, such as mental anguish, loss of consortium, or permanent disfigurement
- The cost of your loved one’s funeral and burial
Lawyers usually prefer to seek compensation outside of court through a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company. However, if they cannot settle for a fair amount, they will fight for your case in trial.
Statutes of Limitations on Slip and Fall Accident Cases
Each state has its own statutes of limitations on personal injury claims, in which the victim seeks compensation for their own injuries, and wrongful death claims, in which a loved one pursues legal action for the damages incurred by the victim’s death. States also decide who qualifies to file a wrongful death claim, which they often limit to certain family members or the executor of the decedent’s estate.
An injury lawyer for slip and fall accidents at Publix can help you determine how much time you have left to file and get the process started for you right away to avoid preventable delays.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to Get Started on Your Case
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, our attorneys understand the lasting effects a slip and fall accident can have on your life, and we can help you establish liability in your case, evaluate your damages, and seek the fair financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today at (855) 933-4005 for your free case evaluation.
