There’s a lot of hustle and bustle in supermarkets. When things fall off the shelves or spills occur, customers and employees can become seriously injured. When shopping in the supermarket, an injury may be the last thing on your mind, but unfortunately, these accidents occur often and can have a major impact on your physical and financial health. Read on to learn more about supermarket accidents and what to do in the event of an injury.
Common Causes of Supermarket Accidents in New Jersey
Though your local supermarket may not seem like a dangerous place, there are a number of hazards, both inside the store and in parking lots, that can cause a number of injuries. As such, understanding the most common causes of injuries at these locations is critical to staying alert to potential hazards to reduce the risk of injury.
Interior Supermarket Hazards
- Slip-and-falls from spilled liquids, cleaning, or wet weather
- Loose produce and debris in aisles
- Improperly assembled or overstocked shelves and displays
- Inadequate lighting
- Falling merchandise or products from high shelves
- Uneven flooring
- Loose cords
- Unanchored rugs or mats
Exterior and Parking Lot Hazards
- Potholes or broken pavement
- Uneven curbs
- Snow, ice, or standing water
- Poor lighting
- Defective shopping cart corrals or ramps
What to Do Immediately After a New Jersey Supermarket Accident
In the event you have suffered an injury at your local Middlesex County grocery store, understanding how to proceed is critical to not only protect your ability to file a future injury claim but also for your health. As such, it’s important to remain calm at the scene to protect your rights.
Steps to Protect Your Health and Document the Incident
- Report the injury to a store manager and request that an incident report be filed
- Take photos and videos of the hazard before it is remedied
- Call the police if the situation is unsafe or disputed
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you feel fine or injuries seem minor
- Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses
- Keep all copies of medical records, imaging results, and bills
- Obtain a copy of the incident report before you leave the premises
- Remain at the scene until the incident is reported unless you need urgent medical care
Proving Negligence in a New Jersey Supermarket Injury Case
When you are injured on the premises of a New Jersey supermarket, you may reserve the right to raise a claim against the establishment for negligence. However, it’s important to understand that, as the plaintiff, the burden of proof falls on you. As such, you’ll want to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene to help support a later claim.
Evidence That May Support Your Claim
- Surveillance video
- Store maintenance logs
- Incident or police reports
- Cleaning and inspection records
- Witness testimony
- Medical records linking the injury to the accident
- Photos and videos taken at the scene
Why Speaking to an Attorney Early Is Beneficial
If you are considering filing a claim following a Middlesex County supermarket injury, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Working with an attorney can help:
- Deter the store or insurance company from denying liability or shifting blame to you
- Preserve evidence before it is overwritten or lost
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to avoid misstatements
How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Claim in New Jersey?
If you are injured in a supermarket accident and you wish to take legal action, you will need to make sure to file your personal injury claim within the statute of limitations. Generally, under NJ Rev Stat § 2A:14-2, you will have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. Failure to file a claim on time can bar you from recovery, even when negligence and damages are clear.
What NOT to Do After a Supermarket Accident
Though understanding how to proceed is critical, you should also familiarize yourself with the actions and behaviors to avoid after you have sustained an injury in a New Jersey supermarket. Unfortunately, these actions can impact the outcome of your claim, so doing everything possible to protect yourself is vital.
Actions That May Harm Your Claim
- Posting on social media, especially in relation to your accident or injuries
- Providing statements to insurance companies without legal guidance
- Getting rid of evidence
- Apologizing or assuming fault at the accident scene
- Ignoring medical advice or failing to seek treatment
Contact Our Middlesex County Personal Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured in a supermarket in Central New Jersey, the impact it can have on your life is devastating. That is why the team at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is ready to represent you. Our firm will examine your circumstances and explore all avenues to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
