All stores have a responsibility to maintain a safe premise. Here’s everything you need to know about filing a claim for a slip and fall at Walmart.
Slipping and falling due to unsafe conditions at Walmart could allow for filing a claim against the store. A person may have grounds to file a claim against Walmart if there is an accident that causes them to slip and fall. All relevant evidence is needed to ensure a claim is filed. An attorney might also prove helpful to negotiate with Walmart.
What Is a Slip and Fall?
A slip and fall occurs when one falls due to unsafe conditions, hurting themselves. Stores have a responsibility to their customers to keep the floors safe to prevent such accidents. Employees should maintain a safe environment by making sure that the floor that the public walks on is clean and non slippery. A property owner should discover the dangerous situation in the time a reasonably careful person would have found it.
Related: Slip and Fall Out of Court Settlement Amounts
Steps to Filing a Claim for a Slip and Fall at Walmart
- Report the accident as soon as possible. Find the nearest supervisor and manager and describe the incident to them in as much detail as possible. Request a copy of an incident report form from an employee for personal records, if applicable. Additionally, request a copy of any surveillance footage that might have been captured of the accident.
- Collect any relevant evidence. Remain on the scene to collect evidence of injuries. Take photographs of the scene of the accident and the areas around it. Collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses. Speak to the management about copies of accident reports and surveillance footage. Keep the shoes and clothes worn at the time of the accident.
- Go to the Doctor as soon as possible.Check for any injuries that might have been caused by the fall. Make sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible. One might not be aware of either all or the extent of their injuries.
- File an insurance claim with Walmart. Contact the Walmart Claim department and notify them of an intent to file a slip and fall claim. One might consult with an attorney when filling out the claim form.
- Consult with a Walmart attorney. Walmart will do its best to prevent the filing party from obtaining fair compensation. Having an attorney to help with negotiation could be helpful in this step.
Related: What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Restaurant
Laws to be Aware Of:
Many states have their own laws in regards to the time limit on your right to file a case. It is important to check the Statute of Limitations on Slip and Fall Accidents in the state the accident took place in to ensure the case will be heard.
Other states may have rules about comparative negligence, which involves the other party’s responsibility for the accident. Comparative negligence may cause the filing party to partake in the blame if they were:
- Somewhere one was not supposed to be
- Ignoring signage that signified dangerous conditions
- Wearing inappropriate footwear, and/or
- Not paying attention to surroundings
FAQs about Filing a Slip and Fall at Walmart:
What could cause a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall accident could be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Defective floor conditions
- Bad lighting in public walkways, and/or
- Unmarked hazards/dangerous conditions
What damages can be recovered from a slip and fall accident?
The damages recovered from a slip and fall accident are dependent on the economic and non-economic impacts of it on one’s life. Damages could cover the economic damage of medical treatment for an injury. Damages could also cover things like pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about how to file a claim for a slip and fall at Walmart, get your free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in California today!