I fell in a store due to spilled milk, not signaled with a wet floor sign, and am experiencing back pains. However, I have not gone to the doctor because I do not have insurance or sufficient funds to do so. Can I request that the store pay for my medical bills?
It never hurts to ask but I wouldnt count on them offering the money without a little more persuasion.
In order for them to be liable you need to be able to show they knew or should have known there was a dangerous condition (spilled milk) and they failed to take reasonable steps to correct it. How long the milk was there, where it was located, the number of employees in the store, and the amount of traffic in the area all affect this answer.
You may try filing a claim against them in small claims court to recover your damages, but if you haven't gone to the doctor you don't have any real damages to prove yet. Regardless, filing a complaint usually opens the door to negotiation and you may be able to settle your claim with them and avoid litigation altogether.
You can request anything you want, that does not mean they will pay them. Most businesses have what is called medical payments coverage for people injured on their premises. The insurance will pay your bills even if it was your fault. If the store was negligent, you may be able to recover more than your bills from their liability policy. Talk to local attorney.
If the store was negligent in failing to clean up a dangerous condition (the spilled milk) that it should have known about, then you can pursue damages against them. While your injuries do constitute a damage, the way to prove them is by showing visits to a medical professional, such as a doctor or a chiropractor. If you consulted a local personal injury attorney, they could begin negotiations with the store on your behalf and may even be able to secure you medical treatment on a lien.
