Big Lots has 51 stores in the state of Georgia and many other locations throughout the United States. These stores are huge and sell furniture, home goods, electronics, food, decorations, pet supplies, and so much more. But there’s something else lurking in Big Lots stores: possible hazards that could lead to slip and fall accidents.
If you slipped, fell, and were hurt in a Big Lots store, it’s important to contact a Big Lots slip and fall accident injury lawyer in Georgia immediately. You may have the legal right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. Our team can speak with you as soon as today about your case during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 now to get started.
Slip and Fall Dangers at Big Lots Stores in Georgia
Slip and fall accidents can happen in many ways at stores like Big Lots. The large flooring areas and high inventory of these stores mean that, if employees and managers are not careful enough, accidents can happen at any time.
Slip and fall accidents can occur in Big Lots because of hazards like:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Spilled drinks or food products
- Boxes or merchandise that was left out in aisles
- Uneven flooring, carpeting, or gravel
- Unmarked steps or other obstacles
Get the strong arm
How Fault Work in Big Lots Slip and Fall Accidents
Seeking compensation for slip and fall accidents in Georgia is based on tort law. According to Georgia Code § 51-1-1, a tort includes the “violation of a public duty if, as a result of the violation, some special damage accrues to the individual.”
Every person or party has a legal duty to act in a way that prevents harm to others. In the case of Big Lots:
- They have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for customers and visitors.
- If they fail in that duty and someone gets injured, they have been negligent (another word for “careless”).
- When the store is fully at fault for a slip and fall accident that causes injuries, they are liable for damages.
This means that if you are hurt in a slip and fall accident caused by the store’s negligence, you may be entitled to full financial recovery of your damages. To seek this compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim with Big Lots’s insurance company.
Common Damages in Georgia Slip and Fall Accidents
Damages are losses you experience because of your accident and injuries. You will need to outline and provide proof of your damages in your insurance claim. A Big Lots slip and fall accident and injury lawyer in Georgia can help you do this.
Damages you may be able to list in your claim include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish or other pain and suffering damages
Why Big Lots Slip and Fall Accident Claims Get Denied
The insurance company will look for ways to deny your claim—or at least offer you much less than you deserve. They might claim that:
- Your pain is due to pre-existing conditions, not the slip and fall accident
- They have many safety procedures in place for preventing accidents
- The conditions that led to your fall were not actually unsafe
- Your injuries are not as bad as you are saying they are
The insurance company for Big Lots knows that most injury victims are not well-deserved in tort law. They will look for ways to intimidate you and undermine your claim. They might even reach out to you and use anything you say against you or make you feel like a lowball offer is all you deserve.
Settle for anything until you’ve spoken to a personal injury lawyer in Georgia. To protect your rights and prove your damages, you will need to build a strong insurance claim against Big Lots. An attorney will have the experience and resources to help you do this.
How to Build a Slip and Fall Claim Against Big Lots in Georgia
To have a strong injury claim, you will need to prove that:
- The slip and fall accident happened because of Big Lots’s negligence
- Your injuries resulted from the accident they caused
- And you have damages from your injuries and the accident
Here are some ways you can begin gathering proof for your claim—as soon as moments after the accident happens.
Take Pictures
If you are well enough to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, the obstacle that caused your fall, and your injuries. It’s important to preserve the scene in case it is cleaned up quickly.
Your lawyer may be able to help you obtain store video footage of the accident, as well.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone else in the store saw you fall or saw the hazard that caused your accident, speak to them. Ask what they saw, then ask for their name and contact information. Witness testimony can be very powerful in any injury claim.
Report the Slip and Fall to Big Lots
Ask for a manager. Tell them that you slipped, fell, and were injured. Make sure they understand what happened.
Also, do not apologize or admit any blame in the accident. Even if you feel like you were partially at fault, avoid saying sorry for anything until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Many accident victims blame themselves even when the store was clearly negligent.
Get Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as you can. Some slip and fall injuries take time to develop. You may not feel them until after the adrenaline in your system has worn off, which could be hours later.
See a doctor, tell them what happened, and be honest about any pain or discomfort you feel. If you do not get treatment soon after the accident, the insurance company might claim you weren’t actually hurt that badly.
Contact a Big Lots Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Call an experienced injury lawyer in Georgia to discuss your slip and fall accident. Most personal injury lawyers—like John Foy & Associates—offer a free consultation and do not require any upfront payment. A lawyer can look at the facts and advise you on the best course of action.
Talk to a Big Lots Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Lawyer in Georgia for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping slip and fall injury victims win the compensation they deserve for over 20 years. We are not afraid to take on large companies like Big Lots—and their insurance companies.
To discuss your situation for FREE, call us for a consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
