Most people never expect that a shopping trip will be a life-changing experience. Unfortunately, a person who slips and falls in a store can suffer catastrophic injuries that require considerable medical care and come with serious financial damages.
These incidents typically occur because of someone forgetting the ‘wet floor’ sign after mopping, leaving a spill unattended, or failing to clear clutter from the aisles. With your mind on shopping lists, you can easily miss these hazards, leading to an accident.
Injuries from a slip-and-fall
A simple trip or slip can result in sprains, fractures, or even more serious injuries. Apart from the pain and recovery time, medical bills can pile up quickly. This is more than just a ruined shopping trip – it’s a potential blow to your health and finances.
Stores have a responsibility
Stores have a duty to provide a safe environment for their customers. This includes routine inspections to identify and address potential hazards and timely warning signs for wet floors or other temporary risks. If a store fails in this duty and a customer is injured as a result, the store may be held responsible.
Actions after a slip-and-fall
First, seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries, like concussions, don’t show immediate symptoms. Next, report the incident to the store management. If possible, document the scene with photos or video and gather contact information from any witnesses.
Slip-and-fall accidents in stores can turn a mundane shopping trip into a painful and costly experience. But remember, stores have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. By understanding your rights, you can help ensure that these moments lead to better store safety rather than unfortunate injuries.
