Dollar General Slip and Fall Settlements

All over Virginia, people visit Dollar General stores to purchase goods at affordable prices. Maintaining a low overhead is part of how bargain store chains like Dollar General offer such low prices. This sometimes leads to hazardous situations involving substandard flooring, shelving, and other fixtures within a store, increasing the potential for accidents.

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall at a Dollar General store, the legal team of Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law can help you file a premises liability claim so you may get the compensation you need to cover your expenses.

What Is a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

Slip-and-fall accidents encompass accidents that happen due to tripping, stumbling, and other reasons. Slip-and-fall accidents can take place on public property, like a park, or private property, like a store. They may be inside or outside of an establishment.

Injuries from these accidents range from mild to severe. Some slip and falls result in sprains, strains, or fractures, while others cause more serious injuries, like head trauma, open wounds, or even death. As with many incidents that lead to physical injuries, there can also be mental and emotional damage. For instance, if a person misses work due to their injuries, or needs a long time to recover, they may experience bouts of sadness, loneliness, or stress.

If you slip and fall on the premises of a retail store, there are certain actions you’ll need to take immediately.

What To Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident

After a slip and fall in a store, you may be in pain and shaken up. Like many other types of accidents, there are a number of steps you should take to ensure your well-being and potentially pursue legal action if necessary. These include:

• Seeking medical attention. Even if you don’t feel severely hurt, you should head to your local emergency room or Urgent Care for an examination. Adrenaline can mask aches and pains, and a health professional needs to determine whether there are injuries you may not have noticed.
• Reporting the incident. Before you leave the premises, report the incident to the manager, who should give you a copy of an incident report. The manager may ask you to make a statement about your fall. Avoid making any statements that could later be used as grounds for accepting liability. You may also consult an attorney at this stage for help.
• Gathering contact info. If you’re able, take the names and numbers of eyewitnesses who were present when you fell, or of other patrons of the store where you were shopping. They may be able to provide information about the condition of the store.
• Documenting the incident. It’s especially important to take pictures of the area that shows the cause of your fall, like a puddle of liquid or an object lying on the walkway. See if any cameras are located in the vicinity. If so, immediately request footage of your fall.
• Seeking professional advice. You may be advised by the store manager or someone from the store’s legal team to avoid contact with an attorney. They may also try to convince you to make statements admitting fault or accepting a settlement or payout. It’s important to avoid making any statements and to contact an experienced attorney for help.

Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents in Dollar General and similar stores can result from causes like:

• Spills from products that have been improperly stored or tampered with
• Aisles that are too close together
• Debris lying in aisles and walkways that have not been re-shelved
• Unmaintained sidewalks, entrances, and exits
• Shopping carts and baskets that are in ill repair or have been left in the aisles
• Items that are not easily accessible on shelves
• Liquid or other slippery substances on the floor
• Poorly maintained carpet or tiles

Who Is Liable in a Slip-and-Fall Accident?

In many cases, courts hold the owner of the store (or the parent company of the store) liable for slip-and-fall accidents involving their patrons. This happens when a court determines that a business has breached its “premises liability,” or its duty to maintain a safe and acceptable environment for its patrons. In other words, a Dollar General store should be free from debris, spills, broken flooring, and other types of hazards. The exterior of the store, including the curb, sidewalk, entryway, and parking lot, should also be well-kept.

However, slips and falls can turn out to be more complex than they first appear. Because of Virginia’s contributory negligence law, you may not be able to receive compensation if you are found to be even slightly at fault for an accident. This is why gathering documentation and other evidence after a fall and consulting a slip-and-fall accident lawyer is so important.

How Much Are Slip-and-Fall Settlements?

Slip-and-fall settlements for Dollar General suits can range from several thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Settlements are dependent on the type and severity of a person’s injuries and other specifics of the case. It is worth noting that a store may attempt to get you to settle without hiring an attorney, but that is very likely to result in a lower payout.

How Can a Dollar General Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me?

At Huffman & Huffman, our slip-and-fall accident attorneys can help you get the settlement you deserve. While you heal from your injuries, your attorney can help file your premises liability claim, handle correspondence from insurers and opposing parties, and collect evidence for your case. They can also negotiate on your behalf, so you get a fair settlement instead of a lowball offer. If your case cannot be settled out of court, your attorney will stay by your side and continue your fight for compensation in trial.

Dollar General Slip and Fall Settlements: FAQs

Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Yes, you can. But even if your case seems to be “cut and dry,” remember that a store’s attorney will use everything in their power to try to prove that the negligence rests on you, and not the store. Virginia’s contributory negligence rule dictates that you must be completely without fault for your accident, or you could be denied your settlement. This is why you need an experienced attorney by your side to help ensure you get fair compensation.

How Many Slip-and-Fall Cases Go to Trial?

Most of the time, Dollar General’s legal team will attempt to work with you to settle out of court. This is usually common in slip-and-fall cases in the country.

How Long Do Slip and Fall Cases Take?

In general, minor cases that involve lower dollar amounts and relatively mild injuries are generally handled faster than more complex cases. While there is no specific timeline, hiring an experienced attorney can help you achieve a swifter resolution, no matter the size of your case.

Have Questions About Dollar General Slip-and-Fall Settlements? Contact Us Today For Help

You deserve to shop in places that are safe and accessible. If you’ve been hurt, or if a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a Dollar General store, contact the legal team of Huffman & Huffman today. We’re ready to talk to you about your case and put our experience to work for you.