Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia
I slipped and fell at my local grocery store. There was water on the floor that came from the ice machine. It was not marked. The manager came over and said he did not seee any water but a clerk pointed it out to him. I filled out an accident report. I was not going to do anything about it but now after three days my hip and upper leg are still hurting. I bruised my arm pretty good also. I went by the store today and told them I was going to the doctor. They said to wait because corporate may not approve it. What should I do?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Nothing could be worse that you going to the store to talk to the store management. Do NOT talk to anyone from the store or their insurer. See an attorney immediately and also see a doctor immediately. Any delay in treatment could not only harm you medically but it can ruin your legal case as well. You should have sought medical treatment and a lawyer three days ago. Do it today.
If you need to go to the doctor for your own health, you don't go to someone else and ask permission. Even if you ultimately have to pay the bill yourself, you go to the doctor when you need to. As far as getting a lawyer, for all we know it could simply be normal bruising or a mild sprain that will go away. If that is the case, you are not looking at a big paycheck from the store, though they probably will pay your medical bill (less the 30-40% fee to your lawyer if you have one for that). If it is a real injury (i.e.m broken bone, etc.) then at least see a lawyer just in case.
Most places of business have a policy of insurance that provides medicl payments coverage ("med-pay without regard to fault. If you do not have health insurance of your own you should co-ordinate with the store's insurer to get your medical expenses paid. See a doctor ASAP. I also think you should get an attorney. He can work out the med-pay business for you and should do that without charge. If he won't do that, hire someone else.