Running errands is a routine part of life as a parent. When kids are in tow, parents must be extra cautious and keep a close eye. However, despite watching your children like a hawk, accidents can still happen.
It helps to be prepared in these situations. Ask yourself: What would you do in the event of a slip and fall accident at a grocery store or department store?
Every parent should have an action plan in these cases, from tips for staying calm and getting medical attention to documentation.
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1. Take Immediate Action at the Scene
Your children's health is the top priority in these situations. Immediately, after a fall, seek medical attention. Ensure your phone has quick access to emergency numbers. Call for a manager ASAP. You may have to call 911.
While waiting for medical attention to arrive, take this time to document the accident. Take photos and videos of the hazardous store conditions that caused the fall; conditions may include:
- Floor spills (like cleaning solution, grease, paint, etc.)
- Loose product on the floor
- Broken shelving fixtures on the ground (i.e., nails, hangers)
- Poor lighting
- Broken tiles or uneven flooring
- Water damage
Take photos of any visible injuries, but don't let this dictate how quickly you seek medical attention or where. Your child could have internal injuries or a concussion, which can manifest later or worsen with time.
2. Report the Accident to a Store Manager
Don't hesitate to report the fall to the store manager on duty. This step is a vital part of the documentation process.
Should you decide to pursue a premises liability case with an STL slip and fall lawyer, you'll need meticulous documentation to strengthen your case. Timing matters, especially with insurance claims; it's critical to document urgency as much as possible.
Request an official accident report form from the manager ASAP.
Ensure the incident is officially noted in person and in writing. Submit a detailed report to the store as soon as possible and request an official copy for your own records; the timing and meticulousness of this report are crucial for seeking better insurance compensation should the situation arise.
Importantly, this report serves as the store's formal acknowledgment of the accident.
3. Practice Ongoing Documentation
Documentation doesn't end after the day of the incident. Document as much of the accident as you can immediately; this includes gathering statements, names, and contact information from any eyewitnesses. Return to the store if you feel you've forgotten anything.
Preserve potential evidence like clothes or shoes in a bag; don't even alter or wash these items. It's important to prove that the accident wasn't due to your child's shoes or clothes.
Document what your child was doing before they fell. Were they simply walking down the aisle, looking at products?
Ensure medical documentation is meticulous and accurate. If the fall didn't necessitate a 911 call, take your child to an emergency room (ER) or urgent care clinic right away. This action displays urgency, and you can receive detailed documentation of the injury and prescribed treatments from a clinician.
Document any ongoing treatment for the fall, including pain medications or physical therapy. If your child needs additional treatment, obtain documentation for that, as well. All treatment plans must be followed accordingly; insurance companies carefully scrutinize for any deviations from treatment.
Keep a detailed log of all medical expenses related to the accident, including the cost of diagnostic testing, general office visits, prescriptions, casts, physical therapy, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Regularly record details about pain, specific symptoms, and how the fall injury impacts daily life, like school performance.
However, don't share details about the accident on social media. Such actions could jeopardize potential legal claims if the store or the company's insurance carrier uses these actions to undermine your claim.
Be Prepared at All Times
As a parent, you already know the importance of being cautious in stores with children. With this guide, you'll be especially prepared to care for your child in the event of a slip and fall in a store. Remember, immediate, smart action and documentation are key!
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