South Florida Retail and Grocery Store Injuries
People in malls, supermarkets, grocery stores, and other retail shops have a legal right to safety. Many people do not associate these places with serious injuries. Sometimes, however, a quick trip to the grocery could upend your life in a flash if you get hurt because of the negligent actions of the store employees, owners, or other parties. Unfortunately, most injured people usually downplay their injuries because they feel embarrassed or do not know that they are entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and related losses.
But you should know that inadequate maintenance, improper cleanup, insufficient or negligent security, and other negligent acts can cause severe injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Sprained muscles
- Dislocations
- Crushing injuries
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Spinal cord and back injuries
Older people are especially vulnerable to debilitating injuries, such that a broken knee can permanently disable an older individual who slipped on a slippery floor. In such cases, Florida premises liability laws provide injured people with legal recourse.
What You Should Know About Retail and Grocery Store Accidents
Slip and Falls
The most common types of accidents that happen in stores are slips and falls. Slips and falls usually occur due to spillage from spilled liquids, cleaning equipment, food items, and faulty freezers. Stores are legally required to clean up such hazards or set up clear signs warning customers of the hazards.
Some stores install plastic or rubber mats to prevent slips and falls. On the other hand, when improperly installed, these mats can do more bad than good when their edges bunch or fold up. You may have a legal claim against a store if the management:
- Failed to warn people about the hazard;
- Did not address the hazard after a reasonable time had passed; and
- Knew about the hazard and failed to address it.
Tripping Accidents
Tripping accidents often happen because of improperly placed products or things in a store. For example, if an employee stacks pallets or boxes that obstruct the aisles, you can easily trip on them, or the stacked objects might fall on you.
Shopping Cart Hazards
If you get hurt by a faulty shopping cart inside the store, you may have a claim against the store because they failed to properly maintain the cart that led to the accident and your injuries.
Equipment-Related Accidents
Some stores use heavy machinery and equipment to haul boxes around, even with shoppers inside the store. This operation creates a hazardous environment for everyone. For instance, if the person operating a forklift acts negligently and hits you, or the items being transported or stacked fall on you, the store may be held liable for your injuries.
Parking Lot, Sidewalk, and Walkway Hazards
Premises liability laws cover all areas of the property that stores own, including the parking areas, walkways, and sidewalks. Owners are responsible for puddles, potholes, debris, and other hazards that could hurt their customers. These also include crimes, such as robberies or assaults, that happen because of insufficient security in poorly lit areas and parking lots.
When store owners, managers, other employees, or others act negligently and their negligence results in your injury, you can seek financial compensation to cover your accident-related losses, including your medical bills, loss of wages, emotional distress, and others.
Talk to Our Experienced South Florida Personal Injury Attorney Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a grocery store or retail store in an accident because of someone’s negligence, the South Florida personal injury attorneys at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa can help you secure the compensation you need to recover. Schedule a free consultation with our South Florida personal injury attorney by dialing 866-640-7117 or sending us an online message.
Don’t wait - get an experienced attorney on your side to help you with everything that comes next so you can get the compensation you deserve or the advice you need when you need it most.
If you wish to speak with one of our lawyers, call 866-640-7117 or contact us today.
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