Costco runs a chain of warehouse-style wholesale stores, selling everything from clothes to electronics to food at discount prices. Many people love shopping at Costco, as it’s often easier to stock up all at once than run to the store on a daily basis. To offer such a variety of items, Costco constructs huge warehouses with tall shelves and hires staff that use heavy equipment to stock those shelves. It’s no surprise that people get hurt while shopping at Costco. Slip and fall, trip and fall, and even crushing injuries are quite common.
If you were injured because the employees of Costco didn’t do their jobs and keep the store safe, you need legal help ASAP! Even more important—you need the RIGHT legal help from someone who knows how large corporations handle insurance claims. Hint: Executives at these companies have one-track minds focused on dollar signs—for THEM, not for YOU. They then hire insurance companies and adjusters to help them keep as much money as possible. Once you are injured, the idea of “the customer is always right” goes out the window. After your injury, you become “the enemy.”
At our firm, we know that many people suffer slip and fall injuries in the many Costco locations throughout the nation. We have heard many horror stories from clients who tried to handle Costco injury claims on their own before they decided to hire us. Remember, if you were injured in a Costco warehouse store, you need a law firm that knows how to fight and win these claims. Our attorneys have beaten major corporations like Costco at their own game for decades, so call us right now at 1-800-898-4877 or contact us by clicking HERE to discuss your case for free.
“You’re Fine.”
Right after a fall, you should report that you fell to a manager as soon as possible. Take photos of whatever caused you to fall with your phone if you can—before store employees have a chance to clean it up. The manager will want to talk to you about whether you’re injured—and all too often, they’ll insist that you “seem fine.” Never brush off a slip and fall as an embarrassing accident—especially if you feel any pain or discomfort. Just because the manager says you appear fine does NOT mean you aren’t injured. He or she is a warehouse manager, NOT a doctor. That manager is trying to minimize the situation and trying to position Costco for an “easy out” on your claim.
“We’ll Help You, but Only if You Give a Recorded Statement.”
Insurance adjusters will tell you they need a recorded statement after your injury to process your claim, and they only want to help. DO NOT BELIEVE THEM. These adjusters want a recorded statement for one reason and ONE REASON ONLY: To try to get you to say something that they can use against you later. They’ll never admit that, though, and they’ll instead tell you that giving a recorded statement will only HELP move things along. Don’t believe them. They’re not looking out for you—they’re looking out for their boss—Costco. They don’t have the right to a recorded statement at this stage of the game—but too many people give them anyway, which often helps adjusters issue partial or total denials.
“The Fall Was Your Fault.”
Insurance companies will only pay on a claim if their policyholder—Costco—caused the accident. If they can make the argument that you fell because you weren’t watching or you lost your balance, Costco’s insurer will deny your claim. Often, adjusters will try to blame you for the fall when it really resulted from Costco’s negligence. If you admit any liability, you will reduce or eliminate your settlement offer. Don’t fall for it when an adjuster tries to get you to agree that the fall was your fault. You know better, and so do we.
“Your Injuries Aren’t That Serious!”
Just like a store manager may downplay your injuries right after a slip and fall, an insurance adjuster may try to do the same during the claim process. Adjusters may claim that you didn’t need all of the medical treatments you received (so they won’t pay for it) or that you didn’t need to miss as much work as you did (so they won’t reimburse you for lost wages). The truth is that insurance adjusters are NOT medical professionals and do not know your personal experience with your injury. You need a lawyer who can demonstrate and prove the severity of your injuries and losses.
“You Don’t Need a Lawyer.”
This is our favorite non-truth by insurance companies because it is absolutely FALSE. Of course, insurance companies don’t want you talking to a lawyer! A lawyer knows all the tricks that they use to minimize or deny your claim, and a GOOD lawyer knows how to beat them at their own game. The truth is that having the right representation can maximize your chances of covering all of your losses and can take the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters off your plate.
Discuss Your Accident With a Costco Slip and Fall Lawyer Today!
Timing is important in any slip and fall case. The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the sooner the insurance company will know that you mean BUSINESS. We handle every interaction with adjusters once we’re involved—so you can rest easy and concentrate on getting better. You can trust we know what we’re doing to get the best possible results for you.
The attorneys of Stewart J. Guss, Attorney at Law are nationally recognized slip and fall and trip and fall premises liability lawyers who have protected the rights of injured victims for more than 20 years. If you were injured in an accident at a Costco or any other store, call our office right now to schedule a free consultation! Because we take all of our personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis, you will not owe us a DIME unless we win your case. To schedule your case evaluation, call us today at (800) 898-4877 or contact us now by clicking HERE.
