In Visalia, both Walmart stores and supercenters are present throughout the city as a way for consumers to purchase the goods they need in their homes and beyond. Many individuals choose Walmart as their number one store for all things groceries, furniture, and pharmaceutical needs due to reasonable prices. However, did you know that dangers are lurking even in some of our favorite stores?
At Maison Law, our Visalia Walmart slip-and-fall lawyers understand how difficult it can be to move forward after you have been hurt in an accident at a Walmart. From the most minor injuries to those that are critical in nature, you should have financial help as you deal with the difficult journey of physical recovery following a slip-and-fall accident. Contact us for a free consultation today to get started on your case.
Do I Need a Visalia Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?
Though you can bring a personal injury claim on your own in Visalia, this does not always guarantee results. Having the help of a personal injury attorney on your side can help you fight the insurance company and achieve a higher settlement than you would have if you had brought a claim on your own.
You may need the help of a lawyer if the following aspects are true about your case:
- The slip-and-fall was completely caused by another party or parties
- Your injuries required a hospital stay or follow-up care
- You have missed time at work due to your injuries
- Your life has been otherwise impacted significantly by your injuries
Proving negligence is not always easy. Luckily, a lawyer will be able to properly guide you on what steps to take and help you to gather evidence that is necessary in your claim and its success.
Common Causes of Walmart Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Visalia
Walmart does not leave many opportunities for serious accidents but slip-and-falls continue to happen there every year. Sometimes, these accidents cause little more than embarrassment to individuals. In other cases, however, they are capable of causing extensive harm.
Slip-and-fall accidents in Walmart happen due to a wide array of reasons, which include the following:
- Wet floors due to spilled liquid or cleaning supplies used by workers
- Clutter and obstacles in aisles that individuals do not see until it is too late
- Polished floors leading to slippery surfaces
- Poor lighting in stores and parking lots
A slip-and-fall can happen due to any number of reasons. No matter what, one or more parties are typically liable for the fall.
Who is Liable in a Visalia Walmart Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Determining liability in a personal injury claim is the best way to receive the recovery that you need to get back on your feet after a slip-and-fall accident. Some of the following parties could be liable for your accident:
- Grocery store owners
- Owners of the property
- Cleaning or maintenance workers
- Employees
To prove that a party is liable for your slip-and-fall accident in a Walmart, you will have to show that they acted negligently and that your fall led to damages. You should note, however, that bringing a personal injury claim against Walmart is a bit different than bringing a claim against a typical grocery store.
In many cases, a grocery store has its own insurance that takes care of claims when an individual slips and falls on their property. However, Walmart has created its own company to handle personal injury claims a bit differently. Walmart, as an entity, pays damages out of pocket to those who have fallen due to the store’s negligence. This can make things difficult because Walmart might try to pin the blame on you for your accident even though you know that you are not at fault. It could have a positive outcome, however, because it could mean that you will be entitled to higher damages.
Damages Available to You Following a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Depending on the circumstances of your claim and the severity of your injuries, there could be many damages available for you following a Visalia Walmart slip-and-fall accident. These include some of the following:
- Medical expenses that you have suffered
- Lost wages and future lost income due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses if a death occurred
You do not want to miss out on damages following an accident. On top of this, you do not want the insurance company or Walmart itself to offer you a smaller settlement number than you deserve. Having all of your damages covered is important, which is why you should never jump at the first low offer that you receive in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What statute of limitations do I have to meet in my slip-and-fall accident claim?
In California, you have two years to bring a personal injury claim before you are barred from doing so. If you wait too long to file your claim, it could be thrown out and you could miss out on financial opportunities.
What happens if the slip-and-fall was partially my fault?
In California, pure comparative negligence laws apply to slip-and-fall claims. This means that you could be eligible for a percentage of damages even if you believe you caused a part of your accident.
Who can bring a successful wrongful death claim if a slip-and-fall caused a fatality?
There are many parties who can bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one such as a spouse, a child, or the parents of the deceased. A personal representative of the estate is also capable of bringing a claim on a loved one’s behalf.
Contact a Visalia Walmart Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer
After you have been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident in a Visalia Walmart, you may feel confused about your options. It is not unheard of for Walmart to deny claims or make your case as difficult as possible so that recovery seems unachievable. Luckily, you have options during these challenging times.
At Maison Law, we will compassionately stand by your side to help you achieve recovery for your financial damages after a slip-and-fall accident. We will build the strongest claim possible and provide you with the resources you need. Contact us today for a completely free case consultation with no upfront fees. You owe nothing unless we win your case for you.
