Slipped on Dry Pasta On the Floor at a Store...

by Shayla
(Rockford, Illinois)

I went to the store to get bacon. I walked to the register to pay and I slipped on some dry pasta on the floor. I caught myself from actually falling to the ground but heard a "pop" in my back. There were people who saw what happened including the cashier and bagger, and a lady who was behind me at the time.

It didn't cause much pain at the time and everyone thought it was funny so I walked out of the store, too embarrassed too tell someone. Now I'm feeling more pain and don't know what to do. Is there anything I can do?

ANSWER for "Slipped on Dry Pasta On the Floor at a Store...":

Shayla (Rockford, Illinois):

Yes. Immediately seek medical attention. Whether you have any legal options is secondary to your health. Once you've sought medical treatment and have stabilized, contact the store's management and explain what happened. They probably have a security camera and video of your fall.

The nature and extent of your injuries will govern the next steps you will take. At a minimum the store should pay for your doctor's bills. If your doctor says other than some bruising you are fine, then ask the store's management to pay for those bills. If you had to miss work or had to pay for any medications, ask the store's management to pay those amounts as well.

On the other hand, if the doctor decides you may have suffered a more serious injury she may order some tests such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exam or a CAT Scan (Computer Axial Tomography) exam. These tests can be expensive. If the tests reveal you have been more seriously injured your claim against the store may increase.

You don't have to rush. In the State of Illinois there is a two (2) years Statute of Limitations. That means from the day of your injury you have 2 years to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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