No one walks into a Publix store thinking they’ll get injured that day. Shoppers typically enter Publix for grocery, floral, or pharmacy needs. However, there are many potential hazards in stores like Publix that can lead to injuries. If this has happened to you, it’s time to call a Publix slip and fall accident and injury lawyer in Georgia.
Our slip and fall accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help if you’ve been injured in a Publix store. We have been representing slip and fall accident victims for over 20 years, and we know what it takes to win cases. Let us give you a FREE consultation to discuss your case and what we can do for you. Call (404) 400-4000 or reach out online to get started with your free consultation.
What to Know About Publix Stores
Publix, officially named Publix Super Markets, Inc, is a supermarket chain with headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, and store locations throughout the Southeastern United States. Publix was founded back in 1930 and is owned by its founding family and past and present employees.
There are about 190 Publix stores in Georgia. It is one of the biggest regional grocery chains in the U.S. Each Publix store offers grocery, bakery, meat, deli, seafood, floral, and produce departments. Some locations include pharmacy, liquor, and cafe areas.
Get the strong arm
What Happens After a Slip and Fall Accident in Publix
The moments after a slip and fall accident can be painful and stressful. If you have injuries that are life-threatening, call 911 or get to a hospital for medical treatment. Otherwise, you should stay at the scene and report the accident to the store’s owner or manager. When you do, you might be asked to complete an accident report, which is fine.
After you report the accident and leave the scene, the store’s insurance company will probably reach out to you. They may either call you or send an email. In almost all cases, you should avoid answering any communication from Publix’s insurance company until after you have a lawyer to guide you.
Be Careful What You Say
The insurance adjuster who contacts you may ask for a recorded statement. Do not do this. Anything you say in this statement can be used against you later. In fact, even saying you are “fine” or “okay” in response to a question about how you’re feeling can be used to destroy your case.
For the reasons above, it’s best to contact a Publix slip and fall accident and injury lawyer before you correspond with the insurance company at all. In addition, watch what you say when you report the accident, too. The store’s manager might try to blame some or all of the accident on you.
Stand your ground. You can be polite, but avoid saying “sorry,” you were just being clumsy, or anything else that could be used to place blame on you later. Once you have a lawyer, you can direct all communication from the store or insurance company to them.
Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
Besides contacting you soon after the accident, the insurance company might offer you money. This is known as a “lowball” offer because it’s the bare minimum of what the insurance company wants to give you. The insurer is hoping that you will accept this settlement out of desperation or in an attempt to move on from the case.
Although a lump sum of money right after your accident—when you’re likely exhausted and stressed about your bills—is tempting, you should never take the first offer. It will not come even close to covering all your damages, and it will cause you to lose any chance of seeking more money.
Instead of accepting the first offer, get on the phone with a trusted Publix slip and fall accident lawyer. Most injury lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) offer a FREE consultation to discuss the details. Then, you and your lawyer can plan the best course of action for seeking the fullest compensation possible for you.
Most Slip and Fall Cases at Publix Settle Before Trial
Some injury victims are worried that getting a lawyer or fighting for more money will mean lengthy court dates and expensive lawyer fees. However, this is misguided.
Thankfully, most slip and fall accident cases do not end up with the victim suing the at-fault party. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you have a good chance of negotiating a fair settlement far before there is any need to go to trial.
In addition, most personal injury lawyers who specialize in slip and fall accident claims who on a contingency. This means they do not take a fee unless they win you money. Then, their fee is simply taken as a percentage of the money they win you. There’s no need to pay anything upfront, and the legal relationship is risk-free to you.
Publix Slip and Fall Accident Damages You Can Claim
In your injury claim, you can include any losses that directly result from your accident injuries. This includes the following.
Medical Costs
Slipping and falling can lead to serious injuries. Some take a long time to heal, requiring lots of ongoing treatments and medications. Even minor injuries need treatment, and you should not have to pay for those costs if you did not cause your accident.
Common medical costs from a slip and fall at Publix include:
- Medical bills
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Surgeries
- Long-term treatment, such as rehabilitation
Lost Wages
If your slip and fall accident injuries cause you to miss work time, you can claim lost wages in your accident claim. This may include bonuses or other perks that you might have missed because of your accident.
Pain and Suffering
If your injuries impact your quality of life after the accident, you may have pain and suffering damages like:
- Emotional trauma
- Fear or embarrassment
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- And more
Talk to a Publix Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Lawyer in Georgia for Free
Need help after a slip and fall accident injury at a Publix store? Let John Foy & Associates represent you and seek the fullest compensation possible in your case. Call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
