Were you injured while shopping at a retail store in Northwest Ohio? If so, it is imperative that you know how to take the right steps to protect your health, your well-being, and your rights. In Ohio, businesses and commercial property owners have an obligation to keep their premises in a safe condition for customers and other guests. Sadly, they do not always live up to this basic responsibility. Here, our injury attorney in Ohio explains what you should do if you were hurt in an accident at a store.
Four Steps to Take If You are Injured in a Store in Ohio
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Serious Injuries
First and foremost, you should always seek immediate medical attention after an accident on another person’s premises. Severe injuries require emergency medical attention. Non-emergency injuries should still be evaluated without any unnecessary delay. Medical care is essential to ensure that you are in the best position to make a full physical recovery. Additionally, you will only be eligible to bring a personal injury claim for monetary compensation if you see a doctor.
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Try to Document Your Accident
In Ohio, accidents at stores generally fall under the state’s premises liability laws. A premises liability case is a fault-based legal claim. In effect, this means that you have to prove that the store or commercial property owner contributed to your injuries through careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent conduct. Without comprehensive evidence, it is difficult to bring a personal injury claim. Try to document your accident as much as possible, including:
- Writing down exactly what happened and why;
- Taking photographs of videos of any safety hazards; and
- Gathering contact information for any witnesses.
Report Your Injury to the Business/Property Owner
You should notify the store and/or commercial property owner if an accident occurred. You do not have to have all of the information at this time. It is simply important to make one of the supervisors/managers of the retail location-aware that you were injured on their premises.
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Consult With an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer
Premises liability claims are complex. Retail stores and their commercial insurance companies put a lot of resources into protecting their own financial interests. You need a high-quality legal advocate on your side. Call an experienced Toledo premises liability attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Do not wait too long to get started with your claim. Under Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code §2305.10), most injuries at stores are subject to a two-year statute of limitations.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Toledo, OH Premises Liability Attorney Today
At Groth & Associates, our Maumee personal injury lawyers are skilled, solutions-centered advocates for clients. If you or someone you know was injured at a store, we can help. Give us a call now or contact us online to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation review of your case. From our Toledo office, we handle premises liability claims throughout Northwest Ohio, including in Holland, Perrysburg, Sylvania, Swanton, Delta, Bowling Green, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, Gibsonburg, and Oregon.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form