What Steps do I need to take to pursue an injury claim if I suffer a slip and fall at Publix?

Publix is the largest supermarket chain in Florida with over 700 locations throughout the state. Countless individuals shop their stores daily, and every single day, someone slips, trips and falls while shopping at Publix. The reason for the fall could be anything from a slippery surface to an uneven floor.

Not every slip and fall at Publix is a legitimate personal injury case. In Florida, to hold Publix accountable for your injury, you must prove that Publix knew or should have known of the dangerous condition, such as a piece of fruit or plastic on the floor, or a slippery surface that caused the fall to occur.

As soon as the slip and fall at Publix occurs, you need to report the incident to the property owner or to someone who is responsible, such as a manager or supervisor on staff at Publix. This first report will likely be made verbally while on the Publix premises, but the next report should be in writing and should include the name and contact information of the Publix supervisor to whom the report was made.

As soon as the slip and fall has occurred, it is important that the area be inspected by the victim or anyone who witnessed the fall. Usually, something on the area is the reason for the slip and fall, whether it be loose flooring, uneven flooring or liquid on the floor. Do not assume that Publix employees will document any of this. It is all important evidence for your case. Take pictures for yourself in the event an attorney needs to be hired to back up the claim.

It is important that if you are injured in a slip and fall at Publix, you must immediately seek medical treatment for any injuries.  Some injuries from a slip and fall can be minor, but serious ones, can include trauma to the brain, fractures and broken bones.

It is important that all injuries are documented that have occurred as a result of the fall.  The longer you wait to receive medical attention, the harder it will be to prove your injuries were the result of the fall. Additionally, it can help to see a doctor while the details of what happened are fresh in your mind.

Publix should have video surveillance of various areas in the store. Contact the store and ask for copies of any video footage of the area around the time the slip and fall occurred. This evidence will be able to back up your claim that it was something on the floor that caused you to fall and not your own behavior.

It also helps to get the name and contact information of any witnesses present who saw the slip and fall happen. Even if no one saw the fall happen at Publix, it helps to get contact information of anyone who was in the near vicinity in the store at the same time who can attest to the conditions in that area when the accident happened.

One important factor to keep in mind is you should be cautious about what you say when questioned by Publix, their attorney or their insurance company after the fall. These individuals will likely try to get you to agree to something that would not be in your favor or accept a settlement before talking with an attorney.

You may not feel you need an attorney after a slip and fall has occurred. However, it is important to at least sit down and speak with an attorney regarding the incident and any injuries you experienced. Our office has over 30 years of combined legal experience holding Publix accountable when their customers are injured.

As experienced Miami slip and fall accident lawyers, we understand Florida’s slip and fall laws and how to hold businesses accountable for our client’s injuries, lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. If you have suffered a slip and fall at a grocery store, restaurant or retail store in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, The Keys or anywhere in the State of Florida it is important for you to consult with an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer who will fight to protect your legal rights. When selecting a lawyer- ask them about their qualifications and experience in claims against grocery stores. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer and our firm, Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has successfully represented people and their families in slip and fall claims across the country since 1991. Call us today at 1-866-597-4529 or email [email protected] and speak with an experienced slip and fall lawyer about your potential claim. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.