What To Do if You Get Injured at Publix Super Market in Ocala, Florida
Bill Allen | October 29, 2024 | Personal Injury
Getting injured in a public place, like Publix Super Market in Ocala, Florida, can be overwhelming and stressful. However, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation to help with your recovery.
Understanding what steps to take after sustaining an injury in a supermarket can help protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you need.
How Florida’s Premises Liability Laws Can Affect Your Claim
In Florida, premises liability laws allow individuals who are injured on someone else’s property to seek compensation. If you get hurt in a Publix Super Market, your case may fall under these laws.
Supermarkets owe their customers, who are considered “invitees,” the highest duty of care. This means that Publix is responsible for keeping the store safe and free from hazards that could lead to injuries.
Common causes of injuries in supermarkets include:
- Slippery floors: Spills, leaks, or wet surfaces can cause slip and fall accidents.
- Falling objects: Items improperly stacked on shelves can fall and cause harm.
- Uneven flooring: Loose floor tiles or uneven surfaces can lead to trips and falls.
To recover compensation after an injury, you must prove that Publix failed to maintain a safe environment or did not properly warn you of hazards.
What To Do After an Injury at Publix in Ocala, FL
If you get injured in a Publix Super Market, here are the steps you should take:
- Report the incident: Notify store management or employees immediately. They should complete an incident report detailing the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and medical records are essential for your claim.
- Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the hazard that caused your injury, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as evidence.
- Keep records: Save all medical bills, receipts, and records of any expenses related to your injury.
From here, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and determine if you have a valid premises liability claim.
Potential Compensation for Injuries Sustained at Publix
After an injury at Publix, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Property damage (if applicable)
Non-economic damages compensate for subjective losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the store’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party rather than compensate you, but you still receive them if they apply.
Proving Negligence in a Florida Premises Liability Claim
To win a premises liability case against Publix, you will generally need to prove that the store was negligent. This involves showing:
- Duty of care: Publix owed you a duty to keep the store safe for shoppers.
- Breach of duty: Publix failed to fix a hazard or failed to warn you of it.
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered real damages, such as medical bills or lost income.
Your lawyer will gather evidence to demonstrate that Publix knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and did nothing to fix it.
Set Up a Free Consultation With an Ocala Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident at Publix
If you’ve been injured at a Publix Super Market in Ocala, Florida, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your rights. By following the steps above and contacting an Ocala personal injury lawyer, you can increase your chances of recovering the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm, P.A. at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652