A slip and fall can turn a trip to the grocery store or shopping mall into a lifetime of chronic pain if your injury results in nerve damage that does not heal. Safety hazards that are not removed or marked with proper signage can be an even bigger risk when holiday crowds arrive on big shopping days or weekends.
Causes of Shopping Slip and Falls
There are many factors that can cause a slip and fall on retail or grocery store premises. Common causes include:
- Uneven sidewalks
- Weather conditions such as snow and ice or water that has not been cleared
- Parking lot potholes
- Inadequate lighting
- Exposed construction
- Spilled liquids
- Freshly cleaned floors
- Worn or torn carpeting
- Escalator malfunctions
Injuries from Shopping Slip and Falls
The risk for shopping injuries is greatest during the overcrowded conditions that happen during peak holiday times. Hazards may be less visible, or happen when store managers are busy or understaffed, and fail to take care of them in a timely manner. Injuries from a shopping slip and fall can include:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Head and neck injuries, including concussion and other forms of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Back injuries
A slip and fall injury that seems minor at first can develop into lasting damage with significant financial impact. Minor symptoms can be indicative of a larger problem, so it is always a good idea to see a medical professional after a slip and fall. If you slip and fall while shopping, report the accident to the manager on duty so that there is a record of the incident.
Liability for a Slip and Fall in a Store
If you have a slip and fall in a grocery or retail store, the owner is not automatically liable to pay for any injuries you may sustain. Certain criteria must be fulfilled for you to be able to make a claim for compensation. You will have to demonstrate that the store owner was negligent in the care of the premises; that a safety hazard existed that the owner knew or should have known about and did nothing to remedy it; and that your injuries are a direct result of that negligence.
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises free of foreseeable safety hazards. Hazards that cannot be immediately fixed or removed must be well marked so that anyone on the premises will be aware of them. Common remedies include signage, caution tape, “wet floor” cones, bright lighting, and of course, regular inspection to identify safety hazards as they occur.
Filing a Slip and Fall Claim
If you believe you have grounds for a successful claim, you will need an experienced slip and fall lawyer with thorough knowledge of premises liability law. If your accident was due to the negligence of others, you could be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, any lost wages, and other damages. Be sure to seek counsel from a qualified slip and fall lawyer who can help you obtain you the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
West Chester Slip and Fall Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Provide Experienced Counsel for Injured Accident Victims
If you have legal questions concerning slip and fall accidents, consult a West Chester slip and fall lawyer from the law firm of Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. We will help you determine your legal options and help you seek the maximum compensation possible for your case. Contact us online or call 610-565-3701 to schedule a free consultation in our West Chester or Media, Pennsylvania offices, where we assist clients throughout Chester County and Delaware County.