Location: Washington. Context: I got hurt in a retail store due a hard shell suitcase that was placed on an overhead shelf laying on its side with part of it sticking out of the shelf, which got caught on the anti-theft pole attached to their shopping cart (if you know, you know) and fell on my head. I talked to the manager who had me fill out an incident report (which they refused to give me a copy of) and gave me a claim number on a sticky note that they said will take care of any hospital expenses. They also gave me an ice pack. Another customer witnessed the incident but they were not comfortable sharing their information with me as they are just in the area visiting. The store did have multiple cameras in the area and I took several pictures of the merchandise placement that led to this happening. I pointed out to the manager that it’s a hazard to have the suitcases sticking out of those shelves due to the interference with the shopping cart pole, but they did not seem to care. They said someone from corporate will be reaching out to me soon. I’m currently in the hospital waiting to be seen. I experienced some dizziness and pain but don’t expect to have many personal injury costs. I’m wondering if there is possibly a case here on store/premises negligence.
Comments
>I’m wondering if there is possibly a case here on store/premises negligence.
There is!
>they said will take care of any hospital expenses.
They’re going to compensate you without a lawsuit; you no longer have a case worth pursuing.
When the person from corporate reaches out to you, be sure to save their contact information. You will be billed by the hospital for your visit. Your medical insurance will cover some or all of those charges. Anything not paid by your medical insurance you should forward to the corporate contact and ask for reimbursement. There is no reason for a lawsuit here as long as they cover your expenses.