Suing over injuries sustained at a retail establishment is sometimes the only option the victims have to move on with their lives. These lawsuits are sometimes cast as frivolous in the media; oftentimes by industry advocacy or tort reform groups that have an ulterior motive. The truth about these injuries is that they are sometimes very serious. When you consider how hard the floors are at most retail establishments, it’s easy to see how seriously someone could be injured in a slip and fall accident.
Recent Lawsuits involving retail establishments
There are always lawsuits going on over these situations. A woman in southeast Texas recently sued one of the largest retailers in the nation over such a situation. Her lawsuit alleges that there was a power outlet that was protruding from the floor, that she tripped on it and that she was injured. It is further alleged that the owner of the store knew about the problem, knew that it posed a real threat and failed to do anything about it. This is precisely negligence and that is why the woman is suing.
Liability and Risk
If you take a risk that makes you negligent, you cannot sue the retailer. For example, if you pulled the outlet out of the floor at the above-mentioned retailer’s establishment and tripped over it on your own, that’s really not their fault. If you run down a stairway and slip and fall, it’s likely not their fault, either; stairways are made for walking. You have to have been doing nothing that put you at undue risk to sue someone over one of these cases.
An attorney can help you to determine whether or not a lawsuit is appropriate in your circumstances. If it is, they may want to represent you if they think that they’re the right professional for the job.
What Do You Sue For?
Personal injury claims require that you break down your injuries and other ways that you came to harm, quantify how much they cost you in dollars and offer that amount as your desired jury award. Your attorney will help you do this. You could end up suing for, among other things:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Wrongful death
Your personal injury attorney will help you to determine what applies in your case. There are definitely a lot of factors that go into determining how much to seek in a lawsuit. Your attorney will have to give you guidance in this matter.
Getting Started with a slip and fall lawsuit
Contact an attorney right away. This ensures that you act in time and that you don’t miss your opportunity to file a lawsuit because of time limitations. Your injury attorney may want to meet with you right away, but this doesn’t mean that they’re taking your case. They’ll have to get all the facts before they can make this determination.
Remember that your attorney is there to help you. If the retailer offers a settlement to get you not to sue, be sure you contact your attorney and that you don’t take it before you consult with your lawyer.