Big-box stores like Target and Walmart are popular in New Jersey and around the country because they offer consumers a good selection of products at competitive prices. They also have legal departments that handle thousands of slip-and-fall claims each year. If you are injured while shopping at a big-box retail store, you will likely be attended to by workers who have been trained to paint their employers in the best light possible. Reach out to speak to an attorney today!
Comparative Negligence
Most people are disoriented after suffering a fall that causes injuries, which is something that big-box retailers may use to their advantage. Store workers could ask slip-and-fall accident victims to tell them what happened, and they may sound caring, concerned and empathetic. However, their carefully worded questions could be designed to elicit facts or admissions that could later be used to establish fault in court.
Compassion and Empathy
Most states including New Jersey follow the comparative negligence doctrine in premises liability cases. This means that the damages awarded to the plaintiff are reduced according to their degree of fault. If the jury thinks a plaintiff was 20% responsible for causing the accident that injured them, the damages they are awarded will be reduced by 20%. This is something you should bear in mind if you fall while shopping in a big-box store and an attentive employee asks you if you were paying attention to where you were walking.
Busy Lawyers
Walmart’s lawyers deal with about 5,000 slip-and-fall claims every year, and the legal departments of other big-box retailers are almost as busy. If you slip while shopping in a retail store owned by a large corporation, you may want to think twice before you answer questions about what happened. Instead, you should tell store employees that your first priority is receiving medical treatment for your injuries.
Evidence
It is important that you document any evidence. Make sure to take pictures of whatever you caused you to fall. If there aware witnesses ask them for their contact information.
Speak with a Slip-and-Fall Attorney
If have been injured in a slip-and-fall at a big-box retail store, please reach out to speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Our experienced team of lawyers at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. are dedicated to providing you with the best legal advice and services tailored to meet your individual needs. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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