Slip and Fall Accidents in Grocery Stores
When you head out to the grocery store, you’ve got a job to do. Whether you need to pick up a few things or you are stocking up, you’re probably not thinking much about your own safety. The fact is, however, that slip-and-fall accidents in grocery stores are not uncommon and can be extremely dangerous. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, trust our experienced injury attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel in Reading to help.
Risk Factors in Grocery Stores
When you think about the grocery store you frequent, gleaming aisles with neatly organized shelves full of products may come to mind. Grocery stores, however, constantly move a lot of inventory in and out, and as a result, slip-and-fall accidents are a concern.
Grocery store managers owe their customers a duty of care that involves taking the same reasonable precautions that other reasonable store managers do under similar circumstances. When a manager fails to do so and a slip-and-fall accident results, they can be held legally responsible.
Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in grocery stores include:
- Leaky refrigeration units
- Spills
- Floors that have been recently mopped but lack adequate warning signs
- Inadequate lighting
- Crowded or cluttered aisles
- Entryways made slippery by moisture or debris that’s been tracked in from outdoors
- Uneven transitions at entrances
- Floor mats that don’t lie smoothly or that aren’t securely in place
- Flooring that is dangerously worn or overly slippery
If You’ve Been Injured in a Slip and Fall
If you’ve been hurt as a result of a grocery store’s negligence, your claim will be unique to the applicable circumstances. There are, however, specific steps that everyone in your difficult position is well advised to take.
Seek Immediate Medical Care if You’ve Been Injured
It’s human nature to blame ourselves when we fall and to pooh-pooh any concerns about injuries. It’s important to know, however, that falls are associated with serious harm, including spinal cord injuries. Because early medical intervention can make a big difference in your ability to recover fully, it’s always advisable to err on the side of caution. Don’t wait to seek medical care.
Reach Out to a Dedicated Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Early
The next order of business is retaining professional legal counsel from the start. You can count on your proactive slip and fall accident attorney to take the steps necessary to build a strong claim on your behalf. This includes all the following:
- Gathering the evidence required to prove that the grocery store was negligent and that their negligence was the direct cause of your losses
- Helping you bypass the kinds of errors that can damage your claim, including providing the insurance company with a statement and posting on social media while your claim is pending
- Skillfully negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Ably advocating for your rights in court if the insurance company refuses to engage in reasonable negotiations
Turn to Our Accident Lawyers for the Help You Need
Our slip and fall accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel will use every available resource to help you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 484-869-2113 today.