You’d never think a life-altering injury could happen while shopping among coat racks—but it happens. Daily, our lawyers at John Foy & Associates work with people who have been hurt in injury accidents at stores like Burlington Coat Factory.
When a harmless shopping trip turns into a painful (and costly) accident, it’s time to know your legal rights. A Georgia slip and fall accident lawyer can help you know where to turn first.
At John Foy & Associates, we know what it takes to win slip and fall accident cases against stores like Burlington Coat Factory. We can help you seek compensation for your damages so you can begin to heal and move on. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online and we’ll give you a FREE consultation to get started.
What to Know About Burlington Coat Factory in Georgia
Burlington Coat Factory, which is now simply known as Burlington, is a clothing store that offers items deeply discounted off retail pricing. They sell off-price name-brand and designer coats, clothing, and shoes for all ages.
Burlington has 684 stores throughout 45 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. They have many locations throughout Georgia, including in Lawrenceville, Augusta, Marietta, Columbus, and more.
Although many people love the deep discounts they can find for their families at Burlington, slip and fall accidents can happen at any time. When they do, the store should be held responsible.
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How a Slip and Fall Accident Claim Works in Georgia
A personal injury claim happens when a person or organization has been negligent in a type of injury to someone else. In Georgia, the at-fault party in an injury accident is responsible for all damages (Georgia Code section 51-1-6). Therefore, you may have a valid injury claim against Burlington if you are hurt in a slip and fall accident.
A personal injury can be physical, emotional, or financial. In a slip and fall accident, the majority of injuries are physical. However, you may face injuries that are financial (such as property damage) and emotional (such as trauma) from the accident too.
Elements of a Slip and Fall Accident Case
Even when the store is negligent in your accident, you will need to file an injury claim to seek compensation.
The store will not actively offer to pay you for the costs you face. Their insurance company might reach out to you soon after the accident, but they will offer you a lowball amount of money. This will never actually cover your costs.
For a personal injury claim to be considered as valid, you will need to demonstrate the four parts of an injury claim:
There Was a Legal Duty
In Georgia, everyone has a legal duty to act in a way that doesn’t harm others. This goes for stores like Burlington, too.
Employees have a duty to you, as the customer, to keep their premises safe. This is known as premises liability.
The Duty Has Been Breached
For you to have a case, the store must have breached their duty to you. For example, if an employee is mopping the floor, they must put out a “wet floor” sign alerting customers of the hazard. If they do not, and you slip and fall, it can be seen as a breach of duty.
If you’re not sure whether there was a breach of duty in your slip and fall accident, contact a Burlington Coat Factory slip and fall accident and injury lawyer in Georgia right away. They can give you the answers you need.
The Breach of Duty Caused Your Injury Accident
Your slip and fall accident injuries must have actually been caused by the store’s breach of duty.
This can be difficult to prove, and it will require sufficient evidence. It’s also where the store’s insurance company will try to deny their liability for your damages. They will look for ways to show that your accident did not directly result from any store negligence.
There Were Damages Caused By the Breach
Your injuries and other damages must also be a direct result of the store’s negligence. In addition, you will need to provide proof of your damages.
How to Gather Evidence for Your Slip and Fall Accident Claim
Your slip and fall accident lawyer will help you gather evidence of the accident, the store’s fault in the accident, and your damages. However, there are ways you can start compiling evidence right away. Here are some things you can do.
Get Photos at the Scene
Most of us have our cell phones at-the-ready wherever we go. If that describes you after your slip and fall accident, use your phone to snap pictures of:
- The entire accident scene
- Your injuries
- The unsafe condition that led to your fall
Talk to Witnesses
Stores like Burlington Coat Factory often have many customers around at one time. If anyone else saw your slip and fall accident happen, talk to them and ask about what they saw. Ask for their names and contact information. Your lawyer will want to reach out to them later for statements.
Even if someone didn’t see you fall, they might have seen the hazardous condition that caused your fall. That can still be powerful information for your case.
Tell the Store
Let the store’s manager know about your accident. They should create an accident report of what happened. Just be wary of any suggestion that you were to blame for your fall. Avoid apologizing or admitting any sort of blame. It could be used against you later.
Document Everything
Keep track of anything that will demonstrate losses from your accident like:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Doctor notes
- Receipts
- Proof of lost wages and missed work time
- Personal notes on how the accident has affected you
The value of your claim will depend on various factors, such as how serious your injuries are, the total value of your damages, pain and suffering, and whether or not you will need future medical care. A slip and fall accident lawyer can help calculate your total damages and know what your settlement is truly worth.
Talk to a Burlington Coat Factory Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Lawyer in Georgia for Free Today
The insurance company of a store like Burlington will not be easy to deal with after a slip and fall accident. They will look for ways to intimidate you and pay less than you deserve. At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to making sure that doesn’t happen.
We have been helping slip and fall accident victims win the compensation they need for over 20 years. Let us help you, too—starting with a FREE consultation. Contact us at (404) 400-4000 or online to get started today with your FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form