Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!Slip and fall accidents in retail stores are unfortunately common in Boston, and their consequences can be devastating. Victims often face significant pain, long recovery times, and mounting medical bills. When someone else’s negligence causes a slip and fall accident, it’s your legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
The team at Earley Law Group has extensive experience handling cases involving slip and falls in stores, and we know the impact they can have on your ability to earn a living, your daily life, and your personal relationships. Whether your fall occurred in a major chain store or a local Boston area retailer or grocer, we’re ready to advocate aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
How Our Boston Attorneys Can Help After a Retail Store or Supermarket Slip and Fall
Pursuing your personal injury claim can be a challenging task, particularly when you’re recovering from injury. Our Boston slip and fall accident attorneys can take on much of the burden of seeking compensation for you so you can focus on recovery. Our attorneys can help in the following ways:
- Reviewing Your Case for Free – You shouldn’t have to face any financial barriers when seeking the justice you deserve. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your story, review your case, and inform you of your legal options free of charge.
- Offering Local Insight – Our lawyers are deeply familiar with Boston’s largest shopping areas, from Quincy Market to Copley Place to Downtown Crossing. We’re also well-acquainted with the city’s court systems and the major players within them. This local insight can be tremendously beneficial when building your case.
- Investigating the Accident – The success of your case depends on the evidence you provide. We’ll obtain incident reports, interview witnesses, review maintenance and repair records, seek surveillance footage, and consult experts to build the strongest case possible.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies will protect their profits by attempting to weaken or outright deny your claim. We know how to thwart their tactics and advocate aggressively for a fair settlement.
- Representing You in Court – If the insurance companies refuse a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit and take your claim to court. Our seasoned trial attorneys can represent you there and fight for a favorable verdict on your behalf.
What to Do After a Retail Store or Supermarket Slip and Fall
We always advise our clients that the first step after a slip and fall in a supermarket or retail store is to seek medical attention. Once you’ve done that, be sure to do the following:
- Report the Incident – Notify the store manager immediately of the accident and request that they fill out an incident report, then request a copy. This document can serve as key evidence should you pursue a personal injury claim.
- Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your fall, warning signs (or lack thereof), and visible injuries. These will provide visual evidence to support your claim.
- Collect Witness Information – If there were any witnesses to the accident, gather their names and contact information. They can provide a third-party perspective and key details regarding your fall, which can lend credibility to your claim.
- Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurance – You may be contacted by insurance companies requesting recorded statements or offering quick, lowball settlements. These are intended to minimize your payout. Never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, and let a lawyer handle all communications with them whenever possible.
- Contact a Lawyer – Seeking compensation for a slip and fall in supermarkets or retail stores is complicated, especially due to the complex nature of commercial insurance coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney can lead you through the entire process and help you avoid critical errors along the way.
Common Causes of Retail Store and Supermarket Slip and Falls
Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in retail stores include the following:
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Spills from food or drinks
- Uneven flooring or cracked tiles
- Broken stairs
- Loose mats or rugs at store entrances
- Poor lighting
- Cluttered walkways
- Snow or rain tracked into entrances
Store managers and property owners are legally responsible for maintaining a safe environment on their premises. When they fail to meet these responsibilities, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in Retail Stores and Supermarkets?
One of the factors that can complicate slip and fall incidents in retail stores and supermarkets is determining who is liable. Liability in Massachusetts slip and falls can fall on multiple parties, including the following:
- Store Owners or Operators – When a store owner or operator fails to remove hazards or fix unsafe conditions and an accident occurs, they may be liable.
- Property Managers or Landlords – Unaddressed structural issues in a retail store or supermarket can result in serious injury. This is generally the responsibility of the property manager or landlord.
- Third-Party Cleaning or Maintenance Companies – When a third-party company charged with upkeep in a retail store or supermarket creates a hazardous condition, they may bear some responsibility if an accident occurs.
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How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim?
Under Massachusetts law, you generally have three years (3) from the date of the accident to file a Boston personal injury lawsuit. However, our state also recognizes the discovery rule, which can potentially delay the deadline when an injury isn’t discovered until after the date of the accident. Avoid severely limiting your legal options by contacting a lawyer and pursuing your claim as soon as possible.
Talk to Our Boston Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
Earley Law has been protecting the rights of injured Boston clients for over two decades. In that time, we’ve built a strong track record of substantial settlements and earned over 700 Google reviews from satisfied clients. We believe we owe our success to what we call “The Earley Experience” — an approach to legal representation centered around compassion, understanding, respect, and honest communication.
If you need an experienced lawyer for slip and fall accidents, we can be there to protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation, and you won’t pay anything unless we win. Contact us today at (617) 338-7400 to complete our online form to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.