What are Your Options if you are injured in a Place of Business?

If you have been injured at a store or business, it is only natural to consider suing for compensation.  However, it is very important to meet with an experienced attorney to see if you have a case.  While it is typically assumed that you are automatically entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you are injured in a place of business, laws vary by state.  In your state, it is possible that the business is only responsible for injuries occurring on their property if it can be proved the accident was their fault.  This usually means proving negligence on the part of the business or one of its employees, which can be complex to establish in court.  Therefore, if you are injured in a place of business, it is important for you to take the following steps.

First, you should alert the business owner or a manager on duty that you have been injured.  Give them specifics regarding what happened and exactly what your injuries are.  If the person you speak with writes anything down, politely request to review it for accuracy and ask for a copy for your records.  Do not place anything in writing, offer a recorded statement, or sign any documents drawn up by the business until you have had the opportunity to speak with an attorney.   Next, if you have the means to do so, take pictures of the area where you were injured from as many angles as possible.  If your injuries are visible externally, take photos of them as well.  Then, seek appropriate medical care immediately upon leaving the business.  Finally, schedule an appointment with Injury Law On Call at 757-282-6800 to discuss the circumstances regarding your case.  Your attorney can advise you as to if legal liability can be determined, and what your next step should be.