The days leading up to Thanksgiving are some of the busiest of the year for grocery stores across Pennsylvania. Shoppers rush to stock up on ingredients, employees hustle to restock shelves, and aisles quickly fill with carts and customers. In all that chaos, hazards like spilled liquids, dropped produce, and uneven flooring can easily lead to a slip-and-fall accident.
If you’re injured in a grocery store accident before Thanksgiving, it’s important to know what to do. Taking the right steps after a fall can protect your health, preserve evidence, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Immediately after a fall, take a moment to assess yourself. Falls can cause serious injuries, including fractures, sprains, and concussions. If you feel dizzy or experience sharp pain, stay where you are and ask someone nearby for help.
Call 911 or ask a store employee to do so if you suspect a serious injury. Even if you’re able to get up, move slowly and be cautious, as you may not realize the full extent of your injuries right away.
Similar Post: Three Important Aspects Of Premises Liability Claims
2. Report the Incident to Store Management
Once you’re safe, notify the store manager or a supervisor about what happened. Request that they document the incident in a formal report, and ask for a copy if possible. Be sure to include:
- The time and location of your fall
- What caused it (for example, spilled liquid, debris, or uneven flooring)
- The names of any employees or witnesses
This report is a crucial piece of evidence in your potential claim. It shows that the store was made aware of the accident and when it occurred.
3. Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
Evidence can disappear quickly in grocery stores, especially during the holiday rush when spills are cleaned up fast. If you’re able, use your phone to take clear pictures or video of the area where you fell. Focus on:
- The hazard that caused the fall (like a puddle, food item, or damaged flooring)
- The surrounding area and lighting conditions
- Any visible injuries, torn clothing, or damaged belongings
If someone witnessed your fall, politely ask for their name and contact information. Their statement could be valuable later if the store disputes your claim.
4. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you think you’re fine, always see a doctor after a slip-and-fall. Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage, internal bleeding, or head trauma might not show symptoms immediately.
Getting medical attention creates a record of your injuries and connects them directly to your accident. This documentation will be vital if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the grocery store.
5. Avoid Giving Detailed Statements or Signing Anything
After a slip-and-fall, the store’s insurance company may contact you quickly, sometimes even the same day. They might ask for a statement about what happened or offer you a small settlement. It’s best not to sign or agree to anything before speaking with a personal injury attorney.
Insurance representatives work to minimize payouts, and early statements can be used against you later. Politely decline to comment until you’ve received legal advice.
6. Understand Store Liability in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, grocery stores and other property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. When they fail to correct or warn about dangerous conditions, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Common causes of grocery store slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Spilled liquids or produce
- Leaking refrigeration units
- Recently mopped floors without warning signs
- Loose floor mats or tiles
- Cluttered aisles
- Poor lighting in parking lots or entryways
To prove liability, your attorney must show that the store knew (or should have known) about the hazard and failed to take timely action to fix it.
7. Keep Track of Your Medical and Financial Losses
In the days following your fall, keep all documentation related to your injury. This includes:
- Medical records and doctor’s notes
- Hospital or physical therapy bills
- Receipts for medication and travel expenses
- Notes about missed work or lost wages
- Journal entries describing your pain and limitations
These records help demonstrate the full extent of your damages when pursuing compensation.
8. How a Slip-and-Fall Attorney Can Help
Navigating a slip-and-fall claim can be complex, especially when you’re recovering from an injury and dealing with holiday stress. A Pennsylvania premises liability attorney can help you:
- Investigate how and why your fall occurred
- Gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance logs
- Handle communication with the grocery store’s insurance company
- Negotiate a fair settlement that covers your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Take your case to court if the store refuses to accept responsibility
An experienced legal team can make sure your rights are protected and that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
9. Why Grocery Store Falls Increase Before Thanksgiving
The week before Thanksgiving brings a perfect storm of risk factors for slip-and-fall accidents:
- Heavier foot traffic: Crowded aisles make it harder for staff to spot and clean spills.
- Rushed employees: Workers under pressure to restock may overlook hazards.
- Wet weather: Shoppers track in rain or snow, making floors slippery.
- Overloaded carts: Tight spaces and distracted shoppers lead to collisions and spills.
When stores fail to maintain safe conditions during this busy time, accidents are more likely and customers pay the price.
10. What to Do After You Leave the Store
Once you’ve received medical care, take the following steps:
- Write down everything you remember about the incident while it’s fresh.
- Keep all physical evidence, such as shoes or clothing worn during the fall.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as insurers may monitor your accounts.
- Contact a qualified personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Prompt action ensures your claim is properly documented and preserves your chance to recover damages.
Injured in a Grocery Store Slip-and-Fall Before Thanksgiving? We’re Here to Help.
A slip-and-fall accident can happen in seconds but leave lasting consequences, especially when it occurs during the busy holiday season. You may be dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and missed time from work right before Thanksgiving.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we understand how overwhelming this situation can feel. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients across Pennsylvania in complex premises liability cases. We know how to hold negligent businesses accountable and secure the compensation you need to recover.
If you or someone you love was injured in a grocery store slip-and-fall before Thanksgiving, call our office today at 215-486-0123 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Let our dedicated team handle the legal process while you focus on your health and your family this holiday season. Our firm represents clients in Bristol, Willow Grove, Allentown, and throughout the state.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.