Being struck with heavy items that come down from shelves or displays can leave you with serious injuries. What you do in the moments afterward can protect your health and help preserve important information if questions arise about how the incident happened.
Here are the key steps to take after a store injury.
Get medical care first
Your health should come before anything else. Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible because some conditions, including head, neck and back injuries, may not show their full effects right away.
Tell your health care provider exactly what happened and describe every symptom you notice, even if it seems small. This helps you receive appropriate treatment while creating a medical record that connects your injuries to the incident.
Report the incident to the store
Let a manager know what happened before you leave if you are able. Ask that the store complete an incident report and find out whether you can receive a copy or a case number for your records.
Notifying the store promptly also gives employees an opportunity to document the scene while details are still fresh, which may include their observations or surveillance footage.
Preserve helpful evidence
The information you gather shortly after the incident may become harder to obtain later. If your condition allows, try to:
- Take photos of the merchandise, shelving and surrounding area.
- Keep your receipt or other records showing why you were in the store.
- Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened.
Mississippi premises liability cases often depend on the facts surrounding the incident, so preserving this information early may help if questions arise later.
Avoid discussing fault
Keep your conversations simple and factual. Explain what happened without guessing why the merchandise fell or making statements about your injuries before you know their full extent.
If an insurance representative contacts you, answer carefully and avoid speculation. If you are unsure how to respond, consider speaking with a lawyer before providing detailed statements. This can help you avoid saying something that could be misunderstood or taken out of context.
Protect your next steps
Acting promptly after a merchandise-related injury can make it easier to keep track of important details while they are still fresh. If your injuries are serious or you have questions about your legal rights under Mississippi premises liability law, consider speaking with an attorney. They can explain your options and help you decide what steps may be appropriate for your situation.