A fall can happen anywhere, at any time. Grocery stores, unfortunately, have a high incident rate for slip and fall injuries. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, Carpey Law will be able to protect your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Grocery Stores
There are a number of hazards that lurk in your local grocery store that can cause devastating injuries. Whether it’s near the entrance or exit, produce, or refrigeration aisles, groceries can be negligent in providing safe premises for their customers. Therefore they can be held liable for injuries sustained in a slip and fall accident. Some of the most frequent causes of slip and fall injuries at a grocery retailer are:
- Wet floors from precipitation or leaky refrigeration and AC units
- Failure to clean up spilled products
- Debris or products on the floor such as produce, pallets, and carts
- Flooring issues such as an uneven floor or improper or over use of flooring cleaners and wax
Due to the immense size of many grocery stores and the vast array of products within, the potential for slip and fall hazards are great.
Actions to Take After the Slip and Fall Accident
If you have been in a slip and fall in your grocery store, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Oftentimes, serious injuries do not immediately surface following the incident due to adrenaline and other factors. A medical evaluation following a fall is also a critical component in proving negligence on behalf of the grocer.
Document. Document. Document. Collecting as much information from the scene is paramount for you case. Key documentation includes:
- Photos/videos from the location of the slip and fall accident (or a recording of the actual accident, possible)
- Names and contact information for any who may have witnessed the incident
- Formal report of the accident from store personnel and manager
- Supporting evidence through medical records, state inspection records, eyewitness records, and store surveillance footage
What if Grocery Store Equipment Causes an Accident Outside the Store
Grocery stores are liable for accidents that occur outside the store in places such as parking lots, sidewalks, and on their property. Grocers are liable for hazards such as unattended carts, debris, potholes, ice, and other obstacles that could cause injury and damage. As technology is being integrated into many grocery stores to diminish the possibility of accidents through the use of AI and robotics, the potential for injury still exists.
If you have been a victim of an accident outside the grocery store, you may be entitled to compensation through premise liability. First and foremost, seek medical attention for any and all injuries sustained in the incident. If you are able, thoroughly document the incident and gather as most evidence as possible to support your claim as you would if the accident occurred inside the store.
How to Prove Liability from a Slip and Fall Accident at a Grocery Store
To prove liability in a grocery store slip and fall accident, it’s essential to prove that the store was negligent and your injuries could have been prevented. Grocers are expected to keep control of their premises and maintain safety for others. They have a duty of care that they must uphold. However, if they fail to provide such reasonable safety and there is a breach in that duty, they are liable.
To obtain a grocery store slip and fall settlement, proving that the grocer was negligent and that the accident and subsequent injuries could have been prevented, is the key to successful compensation for a grocery store slip and fall claim.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Taking Legal Action
If you have been injured at your grocery store, the personal injury specialists at Carpey Law have the experience and knowledge to protect your rights and assist you in receiving your rightful compensation. Stuart Carpey will help gather evidence, build your claim, and advocate for you so you can focus on your recovery. Contact Carpey Law today and let us help navigate you through these difficult times.
Stuart A. Carpey, who has been practicing as an attorney since 1987, focuses his practice on complex civil litigation which includes representing injured individuals in a vast array of personal injury cases.