As Black Friday and the holiday season approaches, you may find yourself visiting more stores than usual. However, this leads to an increased likelihood of suffering retail store injuries sustained while shopping. If you are the victim of a retail store accident that resulted in injury, knowing how to proceed with the help of a Middlesex County slip and fall accident attorney is crucial.
How Do Retail Store Injuries Occur?
Unfortunately, retail store injuries are more common than you might expect, given the wide range of ways to sustain harm while shopping. These accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Slips and falls on unmarked wet spots or debris left on the floor
- Products falling off shelves and landing on shoppers
- Unsecured displays or fixtures that become loose and land on customers
- Escalator or elevator malfunctions that result in bodily harm
- Unkept sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots
These can lead to serious injury for many, especially when young children or the elderly are involved. Though they may seem like unfortunate accidents, retail stores have a duty of care to their customers, meaning they need to take adequate steps to prevent patrons from being injured on their premises.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured in a Retail Store?
If you are injured in a retail store, the first thing you may be inclined to do is leave. After all, slips and falls or being hit by merchandise can feel embarrassing. However, you need to follow the proper channels to protect yourself and ensure you receive financial compensation for any injuries you’ve sustained.
First, you’ll want to call emergency services if you require immediate medical attention. If your injuries are not severe or urgent, you will still want to go to your doctor as soon as possible, not only to get treatment but to ensure there is a record of injuries sustained as a result of the incident.
Next, you will want to notify the store manager and file an incident report. This is a detailed account of when, where, and how the injury occurred. Before leaving the store, you should request a copy of the report for your own personal record.
You will also want to ensure you take photos of the injuries sustained and the scene of the accident. These photos can help your case in court. You should also speak with any witnesses and ask for their contact information, as they can provide a statement about the events that occurred.
How Do I Recover Damages?
If you’ve sustained damages as a result of a retail store’s negligence, you’ll want to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Waiting too long to file a claim can hurt your chances, as memories of the event may not be as strong, and important documents can get lost.
Contact Stathis & Leonardis LLC today for a free consultation to see how we can help you receive financial compensation for your injuries.
