We all shop for groceries regularly. Most of the time, we expect our local store to be a safe place. Unfortunately, grocery stores can be more dangerous than you might think. While slip and fall accidents get most of the attention, there are many other ways you can get hurt while shopping.
If you’ve been injured in a grocery store, it’s important to know your rights and what steps to take next.
Common Ways People Get Hurt in Grocery Stores
Falling Objects and Merchandise
One of the most dangerous hazards in grocery stores is poorly stacked merchandise. Boxes, cans, jars, and other products can fall from high shelves and hit shoppers. This often happens when:
- Employees stack items too high or unstably
- Products are placed incorrectly on shelves
- Heavy items are stored overhead without proper support
These accidents can cause serious head injuries, cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
Shopping Cart Problems
Defective shopping carts cause more injuries than people realize. Broken wheels, sharp edges, loose handles, and faulty brakes can all lead to accidents. Sometimes carts tip over unexpectedly or stop suddenly, causing shoppers to fall or strain their backs.
Poor Store Conditions
Grocery stores need proper lighting and well-maintained fixtures to keep customers safe. Dark aisles, flickering lights, broken shelving, and damaged floors create trip hazards. When stores don’t maintain their property, accidents happen.
Parking Lot Hazards
Many grocery store injuries actually occur before customers enter the building. Parking lots can have:
- Potholes and uneven pavement
- Ice and snow in winter
- Poor lighting after dark
- Shopping carts left scattered around
- Debris and loose gravel
Broken Equipment
Automatic doors that close too quickly, broken escalators, faulty conveyor belts, and malfunctioning checkout equipment can all cause injuries. When stores don’t properly maintain their equipment, customers pay the price.
Blocked Aisles and Obstacles
Stores often leave pallets, boxes, and cleaning equipment in aisles while restocking. Spilled liquids, fallen produce, and merchandise displays that block walkways all create dangerous obstacles for shoppers.
What New Jersey Law Says About Store Safety
In New Jersey, grocery stores have a legal responsibility to keep their customers safe. This is called “premises liability,” and it means stores must:
Regularly inspect their property for dangerous conditions and fix problems quickly.
Warn customers about hazards they can’t fix right away with signs or barriers.
Maintain their equipment and replace broken items that could hurt someone.
Keep walkways clear and well-lit so customers can shop safely.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Grocery Store
Get Medical Help First
Even if your injury seems minor, see a doctor right away. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately but can get worse over time. Medical records will be important evidence if you decide to file a claim.
Report the Accident
Tell a store manager what happened immediately. Ask them to fill out an incident report and get a copy for yourself. Make sure they include all the details about what caused your injury.
Collect Evidence
Take photos of:
- The hazard that caused your injury
- The area where the accident happened
- Any equipment or merchandise involved
- Your injuries
- Your damaged clothing or belongings
Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Don’t Accept Quick Settlements
Store managers or insurance companies might offer you money right away to settle your claim. Don’t accept anything without talking to a lawyer first. These quick offers are usually much less than your claim is actually worth.
Act Quickly
New Jersey has a two-year time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
How a Lawyer Can Help You
Grocery store injury cases can be complicated. Stores and their insurance companies often try to blame customers for accidents or claim they weren’t responsible. An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Investigate what really caused your accident
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Deal with insurance companies so you don’t get taken advantage of
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Fight for the compensation you deserve
The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone has experience with personal injury cases throughout New Jersey. We understand premises liability law and know how to hold property owners accountable for unsafe conditions.
When Stores Try to Avoid Responsibility
Don’t be surprised if the store or their insurance company tries to deny your claim. They might argue that:
- The hazard was “obvious” and you should have seen it
- The dangerous condition just happened and they didn’t have time to fix it
- You were partly at fault for the accident
- There’s no proof the store was negligent
This is why documenting everything and getting legal help is so important.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Grocery store injuries can be serious and expensive. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been hurt while shopping, don’t try to handle the insurance companies alone.
Contact The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve. You have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.