Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law can help anyone that’s been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident at a Tulsa grocery store. While grocery stores like Reasor’s offer convenience, they also present various risks that could lead to a slip and fall. Should you experience such an accident, our team can provide the legal support and guidance you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
When Should You Consider Hiring a Lawyer?
Accidents at Reasor’s grocery stores happen a lot more than you might think. Yet, they can happen to you unexpectedly, and when you can least afford it. But you need to consider hiring a lawyer when you’re more seriously injured. If your injuries are minor, you might not need to take legal action.
We can help explain the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with Reasor’s and their insurance company, and make the process easier for you. We offer free initial consultations, and if you choose to go forward, we work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall at a Reasor’s in Tulsa
Experiencing a slip and fall at Reasor’s can be unsettling, especially during a routine shopping trip. But the things that need to be done to gather the necessary information you’ll need for an eventual claim aren’t all that different from any other slip-and-fall. To protect both your health and your potential claim after a slip-and-fall at a Reasor’s, follow these steps:
- Call for help – Get immediate medical care for any injuries, whether at Reasor’s or later from a doctor. Reasor’s may have first aid on site, but call an ambulance if your injuries are more extensive. Keep detailed records of all medical documents, including bills and receipts.
- Report the accident to the store – Inform a Reasor’s employee or manager about the accident as soon as possible. This makes them aware of the issue and should prompt them to fix the issue. Most Reasor’s have a policy to create an incident report, so ask for a copy.
- Gather evidence from the accident site – Document the scene of the accident and any hazardous conditions with photos or videos. Note the date and time, and if possible, collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Keep track of evidence – Keep any damaged clothing, property, or footwear as evidence. Do not repair or alter these items, as they are important for your case.
- Don’t make statements – When you talk to store management or (especially) insurance companies, be careful about what you say. Don’t make any statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Your best option is to just stick to the facts.
Taking these steps is crucial for the success of your claim. Our team can assist in gathering additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, to strengthen your case. Remember, it’s your responsibility to prove the extent of your injuries and losses.
Is Reasor’s Always Liable For a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Obviously, Reasor’s is going to be at least partially liable when there’s a slip-and-fall accident on their property. This is due to Oklahoma’s “premises liability” laws, which hold owners legally responsible for any negligence that leads to accidents on their property. The extent of Reasor’s liability depends on the specifics of the incident. To establish their level of responsibility, you need to prove two things:
- Knowledge of hazards – Reasor’s knew about the potential hazards and failed to address them.
- Reasonable awareness – Reasor’s should have reasonably known about the hazard and did not fix it.
For example, if you slip and fall due to a spill that a Reasor’s employee failed to clean up promptly or a broken tile in the flooring that the store didn’t fix, Reasor’s (through their company leadership) may be liable for your damages. However, liability can also extend to others involved in the store’s operations, such as:
- Employees
- Product manufacturers
- Security or maintenance personnel
- Contractors or designers
When you take legal action, you can claim damages from everyone responsible. More parties involved might mean a higher recovery, but it can also make the case more complex. Our team will help you navigate this process and handle all the necessary steps.
What’s the Legal Process After a Reasor’s Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Legally speaking, the process of recovering damages after a slip-and-fall accident at Reasor’s plays out in one of two ways: filing an insurance claim out of court or filing a lawsuit. You can choose either route (or both), and our team will help you make the best decision.
Here’s a quick look at the process of each option:
- Insurance claim – If you choose to file an insurance claim, we will help you submit it to the responsible party’s insurance company. The company and its representatives will look into the incident and will usually offer a settlement. You can accept or reject this offer. If you reject it, the next step is to file a lawsuit.
- Lawsuit – When an insurance settlement doesn’t cover all of your damages (which is usually how things play out), you can file a lawsuit against Reasor’s and whoever else is responsible for the accident. A lawsuit is much more formal, and takes more time and effort. However, it’s more fair and gives you a better chance at recovering full damages because the entire process is overseen by a judge.
The goal of the legal process is to recover certain “damages” from whoever is responsible. Your specific damages are going to depend on your injuries and losses from your particular accident. That said, the law makes certain things available, like:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Repair or replacement of damaged belongings
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Punitive damages for intentional or excessive negligence
Every case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specifics of your accident and the strength of your claim. The process can take time, so patience is key. But it’s also key to know what to look for and what to expect when you’re at Reasor’s.
How Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen at Reasor’s?
When you stop to think about all of the various ways you could slip and fall while at a Reasor’s (or any other grocery store), it’s really not all that surprising that these accidents happen so often. Yet, it’s the way they happen that give you potential legal options. When the store is negligent, it makes slip-and-fall accidents much more likely to happen. Generally, though, here’s how these accidents happen at Reasor’s:
- Wet or slippery floors that aren’t taken care of
- Poor lighting
- Maintenance issues like broken tiles or pavement in the parking lot
- Blocked walkways
- Absence of handrails
While a slip-and-fall can happen randomly at a Reasor’s, it’s often reasons like these that can leave you or someone you’re with hurt.. It’s always a good idea to take precautions to avoid these accidents, but the store’s management and overall ownership has a legal responsibility to maintain the store properly and prevent these hazards. When they don’t, turn to our team for legal guidance.
Contact Ylla Gosney After a Slip and Fall Accident at Reasor’s in Tulsa
Experiencing a slip and fall at a Reasor’s in Tulsa is never ideal and often could have been prevented. When it happens, you need experienced legal support. At Ylla Gosney, our lawyers know how to handle these cases and will guide you through the recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
