Maison Law helps those hurt in accidents at Restaurant Supply stores in California. It’s up to workers and the store itself to keep you safe while you’re a customer, and part of that means keeping walkways and aisleways clear of products and other tripping hazards. When this doesn’t happen, tripping accidents are common, and that means injuries. To learn more about your legal options in this situation, contact us today for a free consultation.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
Unfortunately, despite safety precautions, there’s always the chance you could get hurt while shopping at a Restaurant Supply, mostly because of the sheer amount of merchandise there is. Still, you don’t necessarily need a lawyer. If your accident is only minor, you probably don’t need a lawyer.
But serious injuries from a tripping accident at Restaurant Supply might require legal help. Such accidents can be just as harmful as other incidents there. Here’s how we can assist: we determine who is at fault, negotiate with Restaurant Supply or their insurers for a fair resolution, explain your legal rights, evaluate the financial support you deserve, and provide ongoing support to simplify the process for you and your family.
What’s the Legal Process After a Tripping Accident at a Restaurant Supply?
Legally speaking, the process that takes place after you’re hurt in a tripping accident at a Restaurant Supply isn’t all that different from other slip-and-fall style claims. When an accident like this happens because someone at the store was careless or negligent, it gives you the legal right to file an injury claim to recover “damages.”
Now, the path you decide is totally up to you and your needs. You can either file:
- An insurance claim out of court, or;
- A personal injury lawsuit.
Procedurally, both of these are fairly the same, except for a few key differences. Basically, an insurance claim is much less formal because it happens outside the court system. It gives you quicker access to a settlement offer, but it’s completely controlled by the insurance company. They decide whether they give you anything, and exactly how much. This might not cover all your expenses.
Thus, a personal injury lawsuit gives you a fairer chance at getting what you’re owed. Still, the tradeoff is that a lawsuit requires much more time and effort from you. Every case progresses differently, but the damages you can recover depend on your injuries and specific circumstances of what happened. Overall, they generally fall into these categories:
- Medical expenses – These cover any current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost income – This category is for any income lost during recovery and may extend to long-term disability impact.
- Property damage – This covers repair or replacement costs for belongings damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – These damages cover the diminished quality of life due to injuries.
- Pain and suffering – These damages provide financial support for physical pain and mental anguish, with separate damages available for the emotional distress of the accident.
Remember, your case is unique, so it’s crucial to keep detailed records and evidence of your injuries and their impact on your life. Understanding the common injuries from such accidents can help illustrate the seriousness of your situation. Typical injuries from tripping accidents at a Restaurant Supply include:
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back or spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Torn ligaments
- Muscle strains
- Cuts and bruises
Because it’s ultimately on you to prove your case, this means that there’s a couple things you need to do. First, you need to take the right steps after the accident itself. Then, you need to figure out what exactly happened and who’s responsible.
How Can You Protect Your Injury Claim?
If you experience a tripping accident at Restaurant Supply, it’s important to take action rather than deal with the consequences alone. While you are responsible for being aware of your surroundings, Restaurant Supply has a duty to ensure your safety. If you trip over merchandise or another hazard and are injured, follow these steps to protect your claim:
- Take care of your health – Get medical help right away, even for minor injuries, as they could be more serious than they seem. If needed, call an ambulance for serious injuries, as Restaurant Supply staff can only provide basic first aid.
- Report what happened – Tell Restaurant Supply staff immediately and ask for a report about where and when the accident occurred and what caused it. Keep a copy of this report for your records to help the store make things safer.
- Collect evidence at the scene – Take pictures or videos of where the accident happened, showing any dangers and your injuries. This proof is really important if you need to make a claim.
- Talk to witnesses – Get contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Their words could be really helpful if you need to take legal action.
- Record your injuries – Keep track of your injuries with photos and notes about how much pain you’re in and any problems you’re having. This shows how much you were hurt.
- Keep evidence safe – Don’t change anything where the accident happened or try to fix any problems. Keep the clothes and shoes you wore during the accident as evidence.
While nobody wants to get injured, taking these steps is crucial for laying the groundwork for a potential claim. Establishing responsibility for the accident will be the next important consideration.
Who’s Liable For a Tripping Accident at a Restaurant Supply?
Being in a Restaurant Supply store is not without risks, particularly when it comes to tripping over merchandise. And while there’s a lot you can do to avoid these accidents, it’s not up to you sometimes. So, when there’s negligence involved, it opens up the question of liability.
Negligence is the legal standard for determining liability, which means legal responsibility for covering your injuries and other damages from the accident. Liability depends on the specific circumstances. Restaurant Supply may not be entirely liable for these accidents, but they are primarily responsible for ensuring a safe environment and promptly addressing reported hazards. Depending on the situation, liability could involve:
- Individual Restaurant Supply employees
- Maintenance or security staff
- Product manufacturers
More to the point, liability is going to ultimately depend on what actually happened. Again, there’s a lot of things that can lead you to tripping over things. However, many of these accidents happen because of:
- Poorly organized aisles
- Uneven surfaces
- Improperly stored or stocked items
- Insufficient warning signs
- Inadequate lighting
- Negligent actions by employees
Free Consultations for Tripping Accidents at California Restaurant Supply Stores
Tripping over merchandise at Restaurant Supply can lead to serious injuries that are often preventable and due to someone else’s negligence. It’s crucial to have the right legal support in these situations. Maison Law and our team of California Restaurant Supply injury lawyers are here to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
