If you have fallen in a Target store or Target parking lot, you may not know how to begin the process of seeking compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. At Fang Accident Lawyers, our slip and fall accident attorneys have years of experience going up against big box stores such as Target. We can guide you through each phase of the legal process of your slip and fall claim.
A premises liability claim is a civil lawsuit that seeks to hold a property owner legally and financially responsible (liable) for accidents that occur on the premises due to negligence, or the property owner’s failure to exercise proper care. It is a type of personal injury lawsuit that can arise after an accident caused by a property hazard or defect, including a slip and fall. If the property owner or company should have done more to prevent the accident from occurring, it can be held liable for the victim’s injuries and related losses.
The first step to take is to report your slip and fall accident to a Target store associate, manager or supervisor. Do this immediately after your accident. Request an accident report and write down the name of the person with whom you spoke. Ask if there is any video surveillance footage of the fall available.
Do not delay in seeking medical treatment for your injuries. Slip and fall accidents can have serious repercussions, including broken bones, back and neck injuries, spinal cord damage, head and brain injuries, and muscle or soft tissue damage. Prompt medical care can give you the treatment you need and help you prove your injuries to an insurance company.
Before you leave the scene of your Target slip and fall accident, try to gather evidence. Take a photo of the hazard that made you fall. Speak to any witnesses and write down their information. Keep the clothes and shoes that you were wearing at the time of the accident. Finally, obtain a copy of the accident report and any of your related medical records.
As one of the biggest retailers in the United States, Target has a lot of resources to put toward fighting slip and fall cases. The best way to protect yourself before you begin the injury claims process is by hiring a slip and fall accident lawyer to represent you. An attorney can help you go up against Target’s legal team and liability insurance company.
To file a slip and fall claim against Target, you will need to contact its liability insurance company. However, you do not want to do this alone. Target is well-versed in how to avoid liability for slip and fall cases. You cannot trust the insurance claims adjuster who receives your claim as having your best interests in mind. The insurance company will want to save as much money as possible on your payout – not maximize your financial recovery.
During conversations and negotiations with Target’s insurance company, do not give the adjuster too much information. Do not admit fault for your slip and fall accident in any way. If you are asked to give a recorded statement, politely decline, as this is a way for the insurer to obtain information to use against you.
Finally, and most importantly, do not accept a settlement from Target’s insurance corporation before speaking to a slip and fall accident attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot reopen your case or renegotiate for a higher amount – even if you discover that your injuries are more serious than you initially thought
For more information about bringing a slip and fall claim against Target in Colorado, contact an experienced Denver personal injury attorney at Fang Accident Lawyers for personalized legal advice. We offer free case consultations.