Busy workers plus messy shoppers equals hazards in the store. Sometimes, accident prevention in retail stores is overlooked. That doesn’t mean you should have to worry about slipping due to a spill on the floor or a box carelessly left in an aisle. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slips and falls account for more than 1 million emergency room visits every year. Slipping and falling in a store is not only scary, but can be costly both mentally and financially. Slips, trips, and falls in stores cause serious injuries that require medical treatment, costing you money and time dealing with the situation.
the store’s responsibility
At the end of the day, it is the store’s duty to ensure the business is safe for customers. When store management doesn’t take the necessary precautions to avoid slips and falls, they may be liable if a customer decides to take legal action over an injury in the store. There are steps stores should take to prevent customers falling and getting hurt. In this blog we’ll discuss the ways stores can prevent customers from harm, how you can prove the store was liable for your injury, and compensation you might be able to get.
what stores can do to prevent customer falls
By taking these simple actions, stores can help prevent customers from falling and protect themselves from facing legal issues:
- Regularly check floor conditions for spills or any obstacles that may get in the way.
- Place warning signs on the floor where there are any wet or slippery spots on the floor.
- Make sure store lighting is bright enough to see and dull bulbs are replaced.
- Keep aisles clear of hazards such as boxes, pallets, or other items that could cause tripping.
- Fix any uneven or damaged floors or carpet to prevent trips.
- Remove bunched up rugs or floor mats that could cause falls.
- Pick up any trash in the parking lots and make sure there isn’t any cracked pavement. Also make sure there is good lighting.
how to prove liability
Suffering an injury at the store due to a slip-and-fall accident doesn’t mean the store automatically owes you compensation. It must be proven that the store:
- Created an unsafe condition
- Was aware there was a dangerous condition and didn’t fix it, or should have been aware of the hazard
If the customer’s own carelessness contributed to the accident, this will also influence the outcome of the case.
kinds of compensation you could get for your slip and fall injury
Here are several types of damages you can prove to recover compensation against a store owner.
- Medical bill coverage
- Reimbursement for lost wages due to missed work
- Lost earning capacity if you have severe enough injuries to affect your work in the future
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress due to your accident.
How much you receive in compensation depends on how bad your injuries are, and the level of negligence involved. Settlements typically range from thousands of dollars into millions for slip and fall cases.
consult an expert slip and fall attorney assistance if you’ve been injured
Our experienced slip and fall attorneys at Kevin Crooks, PLLC, will consult you about your rights and discuss all of your options after you’ve been hurt due to the neglect of a store manager or owner. We know how to work aggressively to get the best possible outcome for our clients and have handled many complex premise liability cases. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call us today at (502) 583-6667.
