Thanksgiving weekend is behind us. You may have gotten through the Thursday feasting with a couple extra pounds and a little indigestion to show for it. However, if you ventured out to the malls the next day, you risk of personal injury was probably a bit greater.
Black Friday is a common term used to describe the day after Thanksgiving. The day was originally so dubbed in the mid-twentieth century, in reference to the day of the year when retailers become profitable–or “go in the black.”
However, lately the term has taken on a more sobering meaning–referencing the shopper violence this day tends to incite. Each year, employees and shoppers in department stores across the country sustain traumatic injury–and even death–from unruly shoppers in search of the best bargain. If you have been the victim of a Black Friday injury, there are two main types of liability you should understand:
Liability against a store
A retail store may have fault in an accident if the store failed to provide sufficient care for the safety of their customers. For instance, if you slip on a wet floor that was not marked slippery, or if you are injured from falling merchandise that was unsafely stowed on a high shelf, then you could sue the store for your damages.
Liability against a shopper
Frequently, Black Friday sales lead to injury at the hands of other shoppers. The limited-time sale prices on a limited supply of products make some shoppers cut-throat and out of control. Stampeding, fighting–and even stabbing or shooting–are just some incidents that have led to serious injury on Black Friday. If you are injured in a Black Friday sale due to another shopper’s reckless conduct, then you have the right to seek compensation from the assailant.
No one should face physical harm just for attending a shopping event. If you suffered injury on Black Friday, it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney. Even if you don’t know the identity of your assailant, shopping center security cameras may be able to help you track them down and pursue justice.
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