Slip and fall

Question

Had a slip and fall at Safeway, was offered 700$ which I declined. Couple days later they said they weren’t responsible but the janitorial services they hired were. Contact the better business bureau to mediate. Both Safeway and their janitorial services are putting the blame on each other and no one has been held responsible for this incident. Would my next step be to take them to small claims court? I honestly wouldn’t even mind hiring a lawyer with my own money at this point just to hold someone responsible.

Joel Gary Selik · Answer

You are in a good position with the two Defendents blaming the other.  
 
If the injuries are sufficient, consult with experienced attorneys.   
 
If not, yes you can sue.  Remember, you still must prove your case.

Theodore Allan Greene · Answer

If you were injured then you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss. Depending on your injuries they might take on your case. Most do it on a contingency basis meaning they only get paid if they get you some money. If you injuries weren't very serious then you could also do a small claims court action. I have helped people a little with the small claims court process (without charging them anything) becuase you aren't allowed to have an attorney. Good luck to you... TED

Tim Akpinar · Answer

The Better Business Bureau is not going to mediate; that's not what they do. They don't adjudicate accident cases - their work is more with consumer issues. The usual options in accident matters are court or arbitration. You mention hiring a lawyer with your own money. Accident cases are ordinarily handled on a contingency basis, meaning that you wouldn't actually be "hiring a lawyer with your own money." Contingency means the law firm is paid as a percentage of recovery at the conclusion of a case, as opposed to paying them up front in an hourly manner or something along those lines. Good luck

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You have a legitimate concern, and it's frustrating when companies try to avoid responsibility by pointing fingers at each other. In cases like yours, both the store and their contracted cleaning service could potentially share liability for your injury. 
 
Before heading to small claims court, consider sending a formal demand letter to both Safeway and the janitorial company. Document everything - medical bills, photos of the incident area, witness statements, and any communication you've had with either company. The Better Business Bureau might help mediate, but they can't force either party to settle. 
 
If mediation fails, small claims court would be your next logical step since the amount involved is relatively small. However, given that you're dealing with two companies trying to shift blame, consulting with a personal injury lawyer might be worthwhile. Many offer free initial consultations and could help determine if your case warrants full legal representation. The lawyer could also help identify if both parties share responsibility under California premises liability laws, potentially increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Q: Slip and fall