According to the National Safety Council, 42,114 people sadly died in falls, at both home and work, in 2020.
And countless others are injured in slip and fall accidents each year, at home, at work, and on the premises of places like venues and stores.
You may be wondering who is at fault if you suffer a slip and fall injury while shopping in a store. In that case, the following information will tell you everything you need to know.
What types of injuries can result from slips and falls?
Slipping and falling, whether at a store or anywhere else, can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor injuries like superficial cuts and bruises to more serious injuries.
The most common injuries from slip and fall accidents are fractures and dislocated joints. Ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist, and finger injuries are particularly common. Lacerations are also common injuries that arise from slips and falls.
Who is at fault when you are injured while shopping?
If you experience a slip and fall injury while shopping at a store, the accident will often be the responsibility of the store owner. That is due to premises liability.
Like other personal injury cases that arise on someone else’s property and are caused by dangerous or defective conditions, if the accident is due to the negligence or recklessness of a third party, that party will be legally responsible.
So, if you slip and fall due to a wet floor in a store, for example, the business would likely be liable for the accident.
If such an accident occurs in a mall, the mall itself may be responsible as well as the store owner.
Liability results from a breach of duty or a failure to act. If a store is found to be accountable for your accident and injury, the business is responsible for paying you damages.
Getting Expert Legal Advice from a Personal Injury Law Firm
To hold a store owner liable for the injuries you get from a slip and fall accident on their premises, you will need to file a premises liability claim with a personal injury law firm.
With the assistance of an experienced and reputable attorney, you can compile a strong case to prove the store is liable.
As long as your lawyer can successfully demonstrate that the store caused or created conditions that lead to your injury, you can win your case and recover compensation to pay for things like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What should you do after being injured while shopping?
If you slip and fall on the premises of a store, you need to seek medical attention.
Even if you only appear to have minor injuries, you should always get yourself checked out by a medical professional. You could have internal injuries or other injuries that you are not aware of.
While at the store, if possible, speak to the manager about what has happened and make sure the accident is logged. You should also try to get the contact information of any witnesses.
Both steps will help you prove that the accident was not your fault when it comes time to pursue compensation.
Summing Up
If you slip and fall on the premises of a store and are injured as a result, and the accident happened due to the store’s failings, the business will normally be at fault.
But to determine whether the store is indeed responsible, and to pursue claiming the compensation you deserve, make sure you consult an experienced personal injury lawyer.
No one wants to get injured. But if you are injured in an accident while shopping, at least you can hold the liable party accountable and gain damages that will help you to pay for things like medical bills and gain peace of mind while you recover from your slip and fall injuries.
