Grocery shopping is a routine chore for most of us, but what happens when it becomes a nightmare? Slip and fall accidents at grocery stores are more common than you think and can lead to severe injuries. Read on to learn how they happen, information about liability, and the potential for compensation.
Most people have noticed spills in grocery store aisles that have not been cleaned up, or perhaps you’ve seen a wet floor sign placed too late. Those two scenarios can cause customers and employees to slip and fall. Others include uneven flooring, walkway debris, and inadequate lighting in dark parking lots.
Who Is Liable for a Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accident?
When a slip and fall accident occurs at a grocery store, the owner or manager may be liable, as they have a duty to maintain a safe environment for customers. That means regularly inspecting the premises for hazards and acting quickly to address those and other issues like fresh spills. They may be held liable for slip and fall accidents when they fail to do so.
Third-party liability is also a possibility. For example, if another customer runs down an aisle and knocks you over, they might be held responsible. Depending on the circumstances, maintenance vendors who do not do their jobs and manufacturers who make defective products might also be held liable.
What Should I Do After a Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accident?
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, taking steps to protect your rights is important. First, seek immediate medical attention, even when the injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the store manager and document the scene as thoroughly as possible. That includes snapping photos of the hazard that caused your fall and collecting contact information from any witnesses.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for an Accident at a Grocery Store?
Customers and employees can also get injured in other ways at grocery stores. An improperly maintained shopping cart might have a broken part or be damaged enough to injure someone using it. Equipment-related injuries happen when heavy machinery is used with customers in the store or when people using it act negligently.
If you were injured in any kind of grocery store accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The allegedly responsible party will want to protect their interests, so you can expect to be challenged. The legal process can be intimidating, especially when recovering from injuries.
An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They can also represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Our Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Clients Injured at Grocery Stores
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, do not wait to seek trusted legal guidance. Contact our Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC to schedule a free consultation. Call 215-569-8488 or complete our online form today. Located in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, as well as Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.