When entering a store, people rarely calculate the risks involved. Certainly, within a retail building, most people generally feel safe from harm. However, no matter where we go, unfortunate incidents can happen—and a retail store is no exception.
Stores have a duty of care to everyone who enters. This means that they have an obligation to provide a safe environment and must do everything within their power to help prevent injuries on the premises. As a result, if you’ve fallen in a store, you may be wondering if there’s something the business should have done to prevent your injuries—and if the business may be liable for your damages. There are a few factors to consider when pursuing a liability claim.
Who’s at Fault?
Many common elements can lead to an injury-causing fall within a store. These may include liquid spills that have not been cleaned up, or a fall hazard with no clear signage. Broken or missing handrails, or even poor lighting can contribute to a higher risk of potential injuries. Especially in the winter months, poorly maintained or icy sidewalks can become a safety hazard.
If you fall in a store, the most important thing is to take care of your health and safety first. Then, you’ll need to consider liability. Can an attorney demonstrate that one of the above dangerous conditions existed, and that the business owner could have done something about those conditions to prevent your injury? Were you in some way at fault for the incident? You’ll also want to consider the seriousness of your injuries, the severity of your financial damages, and whether pursuing compensation is worth your time, effort, and expense.
Determining Liability
If you have sustained injuries that a store owner could have reasonably prevented with proper care, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Shlesinger and deVilleneuve, we have spent years evaluating the minute differences between a true accident and negligence that warrants a personal injury claim. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.