Whether you love shopping for new clothes or dread going to the grocery store, this activity is something many people do regularly. As such, many injuries can arise from a trip to your favorite store. If you suffer an injury in a retail location due to the negligence of store owners or employees, filing an incident report is essential to ensure you can get the compensation you deserve. Keep reading to learn more about these incidents and discover how a Maryland personal injury attorney can help you through this complex process.
What Injuries Can Result from a Store Accident?
Several injuries can arise while in a store or retail location. The most common accidents occur when someone slips and falls due to an unmarked wet spot, merchandise on the floor, or cords that are not properly secured to the ground. As a result, the person may suffer a head injury like a concussion from hitting their head on the floor, broken bones, contusions, and back injuries.
Another accident that can result in injuries happens when someone is hit by an unsecured fixture. These include mirrors that aren’t properly attached to the wall, merchandise that has not been stocked properly, or shelving units. When someone is hit by an object, they can suffer head injuries, neck and spinal cord damage, broken bones, and lacerations.
How Do I Fill Out an Incident Report?
When you are injured, it’s necessary to alert management or ownership to the hazard. This allows the appropriate party to remedy the issue, preventing other shoppers from suffering injuries. However, it also means that they will give you an incident report to file.
These reports are something many stores and business locations have, as they document injuries and accidents that occur on their premises. To complete the document, you’ll want to write down as much detail as possible. Be sure to include where and when the accident happened, who was there to witness it, and detail how the events occurred.
It’s imperative to get a copy of the report before leaving the location. Unfortunately, some stores have changed the details to avoid facing responsibility for their negligence.
What Damages Can I Recover?
If you are injured, you’ll likely be able to receive compensation if you can prove that the store was entirely negligent in its actions. Unfortunately, Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning if you are deemed even 1% negligent, you will be unable to recover compensation.
However, if it is proven that you played no role in your injury, you can receive economic damages. These cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation measures, and lost income if you had to take time off work to heal. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, which cover any scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, or pain and suffering you experience because of the accident.
When you’re hurt, Debra A. Saltz is here to help. Our dedicated law firm has the experience you need to hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries liable for their carelessness. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
