We’ve all been there – it’s the end of a long workday, you’re excited to go home and relax, you stroll into your local big chain store, and suddenly, slip. You fall on the floor, head banging on the hard surface as everything goes crunch. How could this happen? This is a big store, right? There should be lots of people around. Someone would have ensured that the floor was not slippery. Well, yes, but what happens after you fall is even more important.
Causes of Slip and Fall
Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of accidents in commercial establishments. Commercial establishments include big chain stores, big box stores, grocery stores, casinos, restaurants, and bars. There are many hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents in these places. In order to reduce the number of slip and fall accidents in these establishments, it is important to know what the main cause of these accidents is.
Here are some things that can cause you to slip and fall when you visit a big chain store:
- Wet Floors – Dripping water from a leaky faucet or an overflowing sink can easily make floors wet. When floors are wet, they become slippery, and this makes it hard to walk on them. In addition to that, many people use mops to clean floors in these establishments, which can add even more water onto the floor if not cleaned up every time they mop their floor. This makes floors slippery even more.
- Wet Staircases – Staircases usually get damp when there is rain outside or when they are used frequently by customers.
- Employees who spilled oil, grease, or other substances on the floor and did not take steps to clean up the spill or warn pedestrians about it before someone slipped and fell
- Loose mats on store porches that were improperly secured and cracks between porch tiles that could cause pedestrians to trip and fall if they stepped into them while walking across a porch area
- Poorly lit areas – It can be difficult for people to see where they are walking if there is not enough light in the area. If you notice that your light bulbs need replacing, get them changed immediately to prevent someone from hurting themselves.
- Defective stairs – Stairs should have non-slip surfaces in order for people to walk up or down them safely. No one wants to trip on stairs or have their feet slip out from under them while walking down the steps.
When Is It Possible to Sue After a Slip and Fall?
When you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may have a civil claim against the store for your injuries. Keep in mind that most slip and fall accidents are caused by negligence, which means the store could be at fault. However, this is not always the case. The following are some of the slip and fall accidents that could be caused by negligence:
Employee Negligence
In addition to slips, falls, and other injuries, some stores have been known to have employees who steal from customers or who may even commit assault against customers. If an employee assaults you because of their negligence, then it is possible that you could file a claim.
Poorly Lit Store Premises
Stores can be very dark when they are open at night or during the day. If there is poor lighting, it is possible that they could be sued for not providing enough lighting or for having lights that are too dim or too bright.
The Store Did Not Clean Up Spilled Water
Some grocery stores, especially ones with wet floors, may not clean up spilled water from carts or from customers who have dropped water on the floor. The problem with these types of cases is that the store has an obligation to keep the floors clean for their patrons.
What Happens When You Slip and Fall?
The effects of slip and fall accidents can be devastating. Not only do these mishaps result in a painful and inconvenient injury, but they also cause emotional trauma and financial burdens. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other costs associated with slip and fall injuries can be significant. An individual may be able to seek compensation for their injuries in court to recover some of these losses.
The details surrounding a slip and fall accident will determine the amount of compensation that a victim can receive for their injuries. The amount of compensation is largely based on the degree of liability determined by the court.
First, you must prove that you were injured because of someone else’s negligence. If you can show that the store was negligent in maintaining their premises, then it is likely that you would receive compensation for your injuries under a premises liability claim. This type of claim is based upon the idea that business owners have a duty to ensure that their property is safe for customers to enter.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence or you slipped on an area that was not maintained properly, then you should contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer who will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Rights Do You Have In a Slip and Fall Accident at a Big Chain Store?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a big chain store, you may be wondering if you are entitled to compensation. The answer is yes. It is illegal for any big chain store to allow their customers to be injured due to the negligence of their staff or the state of the store.
You can file a lawsuit against your big chain store, but only if you have been injured in your slip and fall. If you are suffering from long-term injuries, it is important that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible so that they can help you collect all the evidence that you need to prove that your injuries were caused by the negligence of the company.
What Options Do You Have When You Slip and Fall?
1. First, it is important to understand that in the eyes of the law, a slip and fall accident is a personal injury case. This means that you can demand compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
2. If you want to bring about a lawsuit against the owner of a property for which he or she is responsible, such as a shopping mall or retail store, then you need to consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney. However, if you are interested in reporting the incident to the police first, then you can do so by contacting your local precinct or calling 911.
3. If your injuries are minor, then they would not require more than simply documenting the occurrence of the slip and fall accident on behalf of both parties involved. You could try to settle out of court with the store owner or property management company if you were able to obtain their contact information following your accident.
4. If you want to sue for pain and suffering as well as medical expenses and lost wages, then you will need to pursue legal action through your local court system. However, this is not usually an easy task and requires a lot of time and energy on behalf of the injured party.
Slip and fall cases, like all personal injury cases, are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Every situation is unique, and the circumstances surrounding every accident are different. Regardless of whether you fell on a puddle of water or the cracks in the floor were behind an employee’s desk, your rights do not differ. While the general requirements remain constant, determining fault and discovering remedies requires careful analysis of each case’s unique facts. That’s why you need to work with a knowledgeable attorney who will handle your case in a methodical way and not just chase quick payouts.