What to Do If You Are Injured at Walmart?

Sustaining an injury at Walmart can be a daunting experience, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we recognize the emotional and physical toll such incidents can take. Knowing how to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve is vital. 

This blog will guide you through reporting a slip-and-fall injury, seeking medical attention, and effectively managing communications with Walmart’s claims department, ensuring you have the right information and support to confidently pursue recovery and justice.

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How to File a Walmart Injury Claim

You can file a case through several methods if you’ve been injured at Walmart. Walmart’s injury reports are managed by Claims Management, Inc. (CMI), a third-party administrator that handles filings for the company. It’s essential to follow these procedures carefully to make sure your submission is appropriately documented.

Phone

Call Allstate Benefits at (800) 514-9525 to report your injury case. When you call, have all relevant details about the incident, including the time, date, location, and specifics of your injury. Be sure to document the name of the representative you speak to and any reference numbers they provide.

Fax

To submit a report by fax, send your documentation to (877) 423-8804. Include all necessary forms and supporting materials, such as incident reports and medical records. Keep a copy of the fax transmission report for your records to verify that your filing was sent successfully.

Online Submission

For this submission, you can go to Walmart’s Protection Plan page and follow the next steps:

1. Select “File a claim.”
2. Follow the prompts to enter the details of your incident.

Alternatively, you can submit your documentation electronically through the Allstate Benefits portal, where you can create an account and track the status of your submission.

Your Next Steps After a Walmart Slip-and-Fall

These incidents are among the most common in Walmart stores. If you experience this type of injury, it’s crucial to follow these steps to protect your case:

Report the Incident Immediately

• It’s vital to inform a store manager or employee about the incident as soon as it occurs. Reporting the injury immediately guarantees that the event is officially logged in Walmart’s internal system. This immediate documentation is critical because it shows that you took the injury seriously and did not delay bringing it to their attention.
• Even if the store seems busy, insist on speaking directly to the management to have your injury recorded. This action creates a formal record, a key piece of evidence in future negotiations or legal proceedings.
  

Be Specific When Describing the Incident

• Providing a detailed account of what caused your slip-and-fall is essential. Mention specifics like whether there was water on the floor, an oily surface, uneven flooring, or any obstructions that led to the accident. Being precise helps establish the store’s potential negligence in maintaining a safe environment for its customers.
• The more detailed your description, the more difficult it will be for Walmart or its insurance adjusters to dispute your version of events.

Get a Copy of the Incident Report

• If the store creates an incident report, request a copy for your own records. This report often includes the names of the people involved, witness statements, and a description of the conditions at the time of the event. It’s an official document that can significantly support your injury case if Walmart or its claims handlers question the validity of your claim later.
• Without a copy of this report, proving that you reported the incident when and how you claimed to becomes more challenging.

Ask About Security Cameras

• Inquire if any security cameras might have captured the incident. Video evidence is one of the strongest forms of proof you can have. If Walmart’s cameras recorded your slip-and-fall, this footage could significantly bolster your case by providing an unbiased view of what exactly caused the incident.
• If you believe there is footage, note the camera’s location and inform your attorney. They may need to request this evidence before it’s overwritten or lost formally.

Obtain Immediate Medical Attention

• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Some injuries, like sprains, internal bleeding, or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. A prompt medical evaluation ensures that your health is not compromised and creates a medical record that directly links your injuries to the accident at Walmart.
• Delaying medical attention can give Walmart’s claims team a reason to argue that your injuries were not severe or were caused by something unrelated to the accident.

Record the Accident Scene

• Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of the scene where the incident occurred. Document any potential hazards that might have contributed to your fall, such as spills, uneven surfaces, or misplaced products.
• Visual evidence can be highly persuasive in settlement negotiations or court, helping to illustrate the conditions that led to your injury.

Collect Witness Information

• If anyone saw the slip-and-fall event, get their contact information. Witnesses can provide unbiased statements that validate your version of circumstances, which is invaluable when dealing with Walmart’s claims adjusters or in court.
• Witness testimony can be a powerful tool in countering Walmart’s attempts to deny or downplay the severity of your accident.

Keep All Records Related to Your Injury

• Maintain a comprehensive file of all documents related to your injury, including medical bills, receipts, follow-up care, and any communications with Walmart or its representatives. This includes emails, letters, or messages you receive from Claims Management, Inc. (CMI).
• Detailed records make it easier for your attorney to calculate your damages accurately and to fight for fair compensation.

The Role of Claims Management, Inc. (CMI) in Walmart Injury Cases

Walmart relies on Claims Management, Inc. (CMI) to handle all injury cases reported at its stores. CMI acts as a third-party administrator whose job is to investigate claims and minimize Walmart’s financial impact. Their priority is to protect the store’s interests, which means they will often look for ways to reduce the amount of money they have to pay out to harm victims.

• Loyalty to Walmart: CMI’s primary focus is to limit liability and defend the company from paying large settlements. To do this, they might use tactics like downplaying the severity of your lesion, suggesting that you were partially at fault, or offering a quick but low settlement to close the case quickly.
• Navigating the Process: This is why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney who can advocate on your behalf and negotiate directly with CMI. They will safeguard your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

In summary, slip-and-fall accidents at Walmart can be more than just a minor inconvenience—they can significantly impact your health and financial well-being. Taking these immediate steps after an accident and understanding how to deal with CMI can make a substantial difference in your ability to receive the compensation you deserve.

Prioritize Your Health: Seek Medical Attention

You should get medical care as soon as possible after the incident, even if you feel that your injuries are not severe. Prompt medical evaluation verifies that your condition is appropriately diagnosed and documented, which is essential when filing a report for compensation.

Delaying medical care can jeopardize your health and weaken your submission. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or unrelated to the Walmart incident if you didn’t seek treatment immediately.

Responding to Walmart After an Accident

If Walmart or its claims department (CMI) reaches out to you regarding your damage, here’s how to handle the situation effectively:

• Do not provide a recorded statement without legal counsel present. Anything you say could be used to diminish your case.
• Do not sign any documents or accept a settlement offer from Walmart until you’ve spoken to an experienced injury attorney. Initial settlement offers from CMI are often far below what you might be entitled to receive.
• Contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP before you agree to any terms or conditions proposed by Walmart’s representatives. Our team will review your situation, advise you on the best action, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Your First Step Toward Recovery

Experiencing an injury at Walmart can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with their claims process. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help. Our dedicated legal team in Houston, TX, specializes in representing clients in cases against large corporations. You deserve fair compensation for your suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation—let us be your advocates and ensure your rights are protected.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.