What to Do After a Fall at a St. Louis Grocery Store
A quick trip to the grocery store should never end with a visit to the ER. Yet, for unsuspecting customers, fall hazards like wet floors, slippery floors, poor lighting, and narrow aisles can turn an ordinary shopping day into a medical emergency. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores often result in serious injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, that require extensive medical treatment and time away from work.
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping injury victims navigate slip and fall cases in St. Louis grocery stores and other retail stores. We understand the tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize or deny claims, and we fight to ensure that our clients recover compensation for all injuries they have suffered.
Check for Injuries and Get Prompt Medical Attention
The first and most important step after any fall accident is to prioritize your health and well-being. If you suspect brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other serious injuries, call 911 immediately or ask someone nearby to do it for you. Even if you don’t think the injury occurred, present symptoms immediately; delaying care can worsen your condition and weaken your injury claim.
Prompt medical attention also ensures that your medical records document the connection between the accident and your injuries, which is crucial for a successful claim. Follow all recommended medical treatment, including physical therapy, to support your recovery.
Report the Incident to Store Management
Before leaving the store, notify a store manager or another employee and request that they complete an incident report. Make sure the details are accurate and request a copy for your own records. This report establishes a paper trail demonstrating that the party responsible was aware of the unsafe conditions at the time of the injury.
If possible, note the names and telephone numbers of any employees you speak with. This information can help your fall lawyer later verify the store’s response and identify potential hazards that existed before your accident.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
If your injuries allow, take steps to gather evidence while you’re still at the store. This may include:
- Photos or videos of the fall hazards (e.g., wet floors, spills, debris, or poor lighting)
- Images showing warning signs (or the lack of them)
- Notes about unsafe conditions, such as narrow aisles or obstacles in walkways
- Witness statements from other shoppers who saw the accident or the hazard
The goal is to collect as much evidence as possible before it disappears. Many stores clean up hazards quickly after an incident to minimize liability, and without proof, it becomes harder to hold the negligent party accountable.
Understand Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
Under premises liability law, store owners and property owners have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for shoppers. If a supermarket fails to address unsafe conditions within a reasonable period, it can be held liable for slip and fall claims.
To establish liability in your fall case, you must prove:
- The store owed you a duty of care as a lawful visitor
- A dangerous condition existed that posed a foreseeable risk
- The store was aware of or should have been aware of the hazard
- The store failed to correct it or warn customers
- This failure directly caused your injuries
Liability can extend to store owners, store managers, or even corporate chains overseeing multiple locations.
Seek Legal Representation
While you can try to handle a compensation claim on your own, working with an experienced fall attorney greatly increases your chances of a fair settlement. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we help clients:
- Collect evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and inspection logs
- Calculate damages, including medical bills, lost wages, lost income, future expenses, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering
- Negotiate with the insurance company, countering delay tactics and lowball offers
- File and manage your slip and fall claim from start to finish
We understand how to challenge the defenses often raised in fall claims, such as blaming the injured party or claiming the hazard was “open and obvious.”
The Role of Evidence in Your Claim
Evidence is the foundation of any injury claim. Beyond your own photos and medical records, we can subpoena surveillance footage from the store to show exactly how the accident happened and whether the store owners took steps to fix the problem. In many slip and fall accidents, the video reveals that the hazard was present for a long time before the injury, which can establish negligence.
Potential Compensation in Grocery Store Slip and Fall Cases
If your case is successful, you may seek compensation for:
- Medical care and medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost wages and lost income from time off work
- Ongoing costs for physical therapy or future treatments
- Pain and suffering related to brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other lasting harm
- Other damages, including emotional distress and reduced quality of life
Our personal injury attorneys work to ensure you receive fair compensation that accounts for both current losses and future needs.
Why Choose Hipskind & McAninch, LLC
We approach every fall case with compassion and a determination to provide the best possible care. Our client-focused approach means we listen to your story, explain your legal options, and craft a tailored strategy to hold the negligent party accountable. Whether your injuries were caused by slippery floors, poor lighting, or another unsafe condition, we are committed to helping you recover compensation promptly.
We also pride ourselves on transparency. Our firm offers upfront fee discussions, so you understand exactly what to expect before moving forward.
Taking the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fall accident at a St. Louis grocery store, don’t let the insurance company decide the value of your case. Contact Hipskind & McAninch, LLC today for a free consultation. We’ll review the details, collect evidence, and help you file your injury claim against the party responsible.
Our goal is simple: to secure a fair settlement or judgment that covers your medical bills, replaces your lost income, and compensates you for the full extent of the injuries suffered. With the right legal team, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your legal rights are protected and your future is our priority.
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