If you fall or get into another accident at a store, you could end up with serious injuries. If you are thinking about suing for compensation that can help you cover medical bills and other costs, you should first make sure that you have a store accident report filled out accurately and completely. This report can be useful if you decide to sue and contact a New York slip and fall lawyer.

injured man on stairs

What Are Some Common Causes of Store Accidents?

Supermarkets and other stores can be surprisingly dangerous places. There are lots of items that can cause hazards, and if owners, managers, and staff do not keep on top of everything it is easy for someone to get hurt. We have seen cases where people get injured due to:

  • Uneven or broken walkways or sidewalks
  • Spills that cause slipping hazards
  • Falling items
  • Icy walkways
  • Poorly lit parking lots
  • Cluttered aisles

It does not matter how you were injured. If you plan to pursue damages, a lawyer from our firm is ready to help.

What is a Store Incident Report?

In most grocery stores and other similar establishments, they have a policy of filling out a store incident report when someone gets injured on the premises. This report contains information about the accident and when it happened, and they should give you input on the form if you or your loved one were the one who suffered injuries.

It is important to realize that a store incident report can be a valuable piece of evidence if you decide to sue for compensation later. So you want to be sure that it has all of the necessary information and that everything in the report is correct.

What Should Be in the Store Incident Report?

A store incident report should contain a few important pieces of information. Before you sign anything, you want to be sure that it includes:

  • The date and time of the accident
  • What injuries you suffered during the accident
  • Information about witnesses to your accident and how they can be contacted

You also want to spell out why you believe that the accident was the store’s fault when you are asked for your side of the story. This can help you build a more compelling case later. Once everything looks good and you have signed the report, ask for your own copy of it.

How Long Do I Have to Pursue Damages?

You should also know that there is a time limit for how long you can wait to pursue damages. The statute of limitations in New York is three years, which is a good amount of time. We recommend acting quickly though. The earlier you start the legal process, the sooner your case can be resolved and compensation can be won.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are considering pursuing a personal injury suit, contact Zlotolow & Associates. We can schedule a free case evaluation for you and tell you more about your legal options.