Big Box Store Accident Lawyer in Morristown

Tennesseans should be able to shop at big box stores like Walmart, Food City, Ingles, Publix, Home Depot, Family Dollar, and Lowe’s without worrying about hazardous conditions that could cause them serious harm. Unfortunately, owners, managers, and employees in big box stores often fail to identify and address hazards that could lead to customers suffering severe injuries.

If you were hurt in a large store in Tennessee in an accident someone else caused, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Contact The Terry Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation about how we can demand fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Big Box Store Accident Lawyer in Morristown

Under Tennessee law, big box stores have a legal responsibility (also known as a duty of care) to provide a safe environment for their visitors. This includes employees, shoppers, delivery drivers, wholesalers, contractors, and anyone else who enters the premises legally.

A duty of care means that big box stores are obligated to do everything they reasonably can to prevent injuries on their property. When store owners fail to do so, they may be found negligent and financially responsible for the injury.

If you were injured at a big box store due to the store’s negligence, the store could be responsible for your losses. You can demand compensation for any medical bills related to the accident, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, and other related losses through a personal injury claim.

Causes of Accidents in a Big box Store

Some of the common causes of accidents in big box stores include

Puddles caused by tracked-in rain or snow

Spilled liquids

Garbage

Recently mopped or polished floors

Debris

Poorly maintained parking lots or pathways

Slippery mats

Improperly designed stairs

Merchandise falling from shelves

Cluttered aisles

Heavy equipment, such as pallet jacks and forklifts

Broken handrails

Common Types of Big Box Store Injuries

Common types of big box store injuries include:

Broken bones

Neck injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Cuts, bruises, and abrasions

Fractured skulls

Spinal cord injuries

Back injuries

Internal organ damage

Internal bleeding

Soft tissue injuries

What You Should Do After a Big Box Store Accident

If you’ve been injured in a big box store accident, the following steps can help protect your right to pursue financial compensation:

Notify a store manager. The big-box store should create an accident or incident report to send to their insurance company. Ask that they provide you a copy. Don’t leave the store until the manager takes appropriate steps to fill out an incident report.
Get medical care. Call 911 if you need emergency treatment. Otherwise, seek care from a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take days or weeks to appear, so follow up if you have new or worsening symptoms. Don’t delay getting medical help.
Avoid saying too much. Your first reaction after a fall may be to say you’re fine. But you may not be fine. After the adrenaline wears off, you might notice pain from the accident. If the store employees and other witnesses heard you say that you were not injured, they could provide statements to that effect. This can significantly diminish your chances of recovering the full financial compensation you deserve.
Identify witnesses. Witnesses could help you prove the store was at fault. That’s why it’s critical to get the contact information of anyone who can support your recollection of how the accident unfolded.
Take pictures of the accident scene. If you’re able, take photos of your injuries too. If you notice hazards, such as a spill or cord that contributed to your injuries, take pictures or videos of those as well. These could serve as critical evidence in your claim.

Should I Hire a Lawyer After an Accident at a Big box Store?

It’s not mandatory to have a lawyer after a big box store accident, but it’s always a good idea. A skilled big box store injury lawyer can investigate the incident and document your claim. They can interview witnesses and build a strong case that proves who caused the incident and how.

With a solid foundation in place, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies for a settlement that covers all your expenses. Most personal injury claims end in a settlement, but if necessary, a lawyer can take your case to court to demand the money you need.

What Defenses Can the Property Owner Raise Against My Injury Claim?

A few defenses that the property owner may try to use against your injury claim include:

The hazard was open and obvious
In this defense, the insurance companies and their lawyers argue that the hazard or dangerous condition was open and obvious, so the property owner is not liable for failing to address the condition or warn the injured victim. They claim that store visitors should have recognized the signs of apparent hazards and acted accordingly to avoid harm.

The open and obvious defense is not a complete defense, however, and it will generally be considered in the context of comparative fault, discussed below.
Comparative negligence
In the comparative negligence defense, the other side argues that the victim was partially or fully at fault for causing the accident and their resulting injuries. This could result in a finding that the store was only partially at fault for the injuries and, therefore, only has to pay for part of the costs of the injuries. If the injured victim is found 40% at fault, the most they could receive is 60% of the total documented damages, such as medical bills.

An experienced lawyer can help protect you from unfair accusations of fault.

Contact the Premises Liability Lawyers at The Terry Law Firm

The Tennessee premises liability attorneys of The Terry Law Firm are ready to investigate your big box store accident and determine whether you’re entitled to compensation. If you were injured in a Tennessee store, call now for a free and confidential consultation with a compassionate Tennessee premises liability lawyer.