The store manager said they’ll “take care of everything”—should I trust that?
Picture this: You slip on a wet spot in a big-box store. Your back lights up. Your pride takes a hit. You’re embarrassed, shaken, and trying to get to your car without making a scene. Then the manager pulls you aside with a calm voice and a friendly smile, saying they'll take care of everything...Now, after the emotions have subsided and the chaos is over, you're wondering, "Should I trust that?" It sounds reassuring—like the problem is taken care of. But here’s the reality in Florida injury cases: a store manager’s promise is not a settlement, not a check, and definitely not a legal deadline extension. In many cases, it’s the beginning of a process run by a claims department that has one job: pay as little as possible, as late as possible, or not at all. And because Florida’s statute of limitations recently changed, waiting can cost you your entire case. Verbal promises vs. the claims department: two different worlds Store employees are trained to de-escalate. They may genuinely want to help. But most businesses—especially chains—don’t “handle” injury claims in the store. They report the incident, and the file gets kicked to corporate risk management or an insurance adjuster. That’s when the tone often changes: “We’re still investigating.” “We don’t see negligence.” “Can you give a recorded statement?” “We can offer you a small amount for your trouble—today.” None of that is “taking care of everything.” It’s positioning. A helpful way to think about it: the manager is like the front desk at a hotel after a bad room. They can apologize and offer a new key. The claims department is the corporate office deciding whether they owe you a refund at all. Why [...]
