Injury while shopping at a large Toys' store - should I retain a lawyer for maximum compensation?

Question

Hi All,

I injured myself 2 weeks ago while shopping at a large toys store. I walked into a flat cart and bruised my right leg middle shin bone. It still hurts today. The store called me yesterday and provided a phone number of an insurance company that I can call for compensation. Should I hire a lawyer to help me get a descent compensation or call the insurance comapny myself first to hear what they have to say? Also, what is the standard contract with a lawyer in such cases: pay the lawyer a percent of the compensation (25%?, 50?) if I get any compensation and nothing if I don't or pay a fixed amount in advance? THANKS

Answer 1

BE A MAN AND TOUGH IT OUT!! Quit being such a whiny baby about a bruise. You should've been watching where you were going. Why should they compensate you because you weren't paying attention?? How about this solution, put as much effort into finding a good job and bettering your situation as you've put into thinking about how you can milk some money out of a child's toy store!!

Answer 2

I agree with fth106.

This claim isn't going to be worth anything. You had a bruise through your own fault. Your are not going to make a killing just because it was a large store, in fact it will likely be the opposite. The insurance company will likely fight you on this.

Answer 3

I can't believe you would even think of suing because you were stupid enough to walk into something and the result was simply a bruise.

Answer 4

That's exactly why we have to pay so much for everything.  People do stupid things and then don't take responsibility for it.  Suck it up - it was just a bruise.

Answer 5

Unless the store was somehow grossly negligent in this incident, the maximum compensation that you will get is your medical bills paid.  The store's insurance company will pay for any x-rays and doctor visits under the medical portion of their liability insurance.  If you retain a lawyer, s/he will take at least 33% of any compensation and that could leave you owing more to the doctors than you collect from the insurance company.  

I don't think it would be wise to do anything until you speak with the store's insurance comany.

Answer 6

Take the 10K they will offer and get on with your life.  It was not your fault some flunky employee left a cart in the middle of the isle.

Answer 7

My opinion?  You walked into the cart.  The injury is your fault not theirs.  Its cases like this that make insurance rates go sky rocketing.  I really don't think you deserve any compensation.  The accident was your fault.  Sorry if I didn't agree with you, but that's how I see it.  One question.  If it was the small corner store would you be thinking about suing?  It seems to me you think you can get a payday because its a large store.

Answer 8

I wouldn't advise suing just yet for your own stupidity.