Slipped and Fell in a Grocery Store: What Now?
Posted September 27th, 2016 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Slip and Falls.
It could happen to anyone. Karen ran into the grocery store to pick up a few items for dinner. When she reached over to pick out some tomatoes, Karen slipped and fell. As she struggled to get up, Karen discovered she had landed in a puddle of water. What now?
In Part III of our series on Premises Liability, we’ll go over some important information concerning slip and fall accidents at grocery stores. Serious injuries may arise from slipping and falling and it is crucial to determine culpability.
Proving Premises Liability Claims against Grocery Stores
When grocery shopping, people are on a mission. They have a reasonable expectation that store owners will keep the premises safe. This includes protecting shoppers from hazardous conditions. Notwithstanding, accidents do happen in grocery stores. Some of the most common reasons that people slip and fall while at the food store include the following:
- Slippery produce
- Water on the floor
- Debris in the walkway
- Packaging or other materials on the floor
It’s not uncommon for store owners to assert that patrons should watch where they are walking to avoid accidents. Does this absolve them from responsibility? Of course not. The store has some obligations when it comes to slipping and tripping hazards. This can include:
- Conducting regular safety inspections of the premises
- Maintaining the grocery aisles to provide safe passage
- Ensuring the freezers and other equipment are not leaking
- Setting up signs to advise/divert customers from dangerous conditions
In order to pursue a premises liability claim against a grocery chain, there are some key considerations. Obviously, there must be proof of damages. Damages would equate to personal injuries. A fall down accident could cause anything from broken bones to a back injury.
Additionally, it will be important to prove that store personnel knew of the dangerous condition or should have known of it. This is why it is essential to retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney with investigative resources.
What to Do if you are Involved in a Supermarket Accident
Many individuals who slip and fall in the supermarket are understandably embarrassed. Their initial inclination is to pick themselves up and hope that no one has seen them. Serious injuries may preclude this reaction.
It is important to make a report of the accident to the store. Ask for a copy for your records. If someone witnessed your fall, attempt to get their contact information. Take photographs of the area where you fell. Get the names of store personnel who may have been near you.
Contact Us
At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have many years of experience handling premises liability cases. If you have slipped and fallen at a grocery store, we can assist you. Contact our office to discuss your case.
