Most people never expect to be put in harm’s way when they walk into a grocery store, or when they stop by their favorite restaurant. And yet many of your favorite retailers face liabilities on a daily basis. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), nine out of ten injuries suffered at retail store properties are attributable to negligence. A shopping spree at the local mall may be the last place you expect to suffer a serious injury. However, when it happens it is important to know you have the right representation.

At lowercase, our team of personal injury lawyers protects the rights of victims of retail negligence. By the letter of the law, we work to recover compensation for damages relating to the many kinds of hazardous conditions in retail establishments that cause serious or permanent injury. If you or someone you know has been injured, call lowercase today at 833-LOW-FEE5 (833-569-3335) today.

As a customer, you are entitled to safety from harm visiting a place of business. It is the responsibility of the establishment to maintain a safe environment for their shoppers, and the law protects you if you should become injured due to the store’s negligence. So what are the most common risks of retail negligence if a business isn’t doing all that it can to keep its premises safe for customers?

Some of the most common examples of retail negligence that cause injury include:

• Loose floor mats
• Improper or poor lighting
• Wet floors or spills without warning signs
• Faulty staircases, elevators, and escalators
• Merchandise falling from shelves
• Cuts from jagged shelves and showcases
• Revolving and slamming door breakdowns
• Products not properly secured on shelves causing a falling or striking hazard
• Disorganized aisles and ragged products that cause tripping hazards

The law’s protection related to retail negligence includes injuries sustained throughout the property. This includes the parking lot, restrooms, dressing rooms, aisles, checkout lines, and all entry and exit points. Liability for retail negligence does not only apply to paying customers. The law also protects delivery personnel, wholesalers, contractors, repair workers and anyone else that is conducting business of any kind with the store.

Being injured when you least expect it can be a stressful and disarming experience, but it is still important to try and make sure you collect necessary information in case you need to fight for your right to compensation. lowercase wants you to know a few actions you can take to protect yourself. If you suffer an injury in a grocery, mall, restaurant, hotel, hardware or other retail store follow these 10 steps:

Step 1- If necessary, obtain immediate emergency medical assistance and document any care.

Step 2- Report the injury to store management.

Step 3- Get photos or video of the hazardous condition/situation that caused the injury.

Step 4- Document if the store was aware of the dangerous condition previous to the incident.

Step 5- Request a copy of the incident report.

Step 6- Ask for insurance company contact information or confirmation that the company will contact you. 

Step 7- Request contact information of store management and any employees or customers who witnessed the accident.

Step 8- Ask the store to preserve any video evidence from store surveillance.

Step 9- Follow up with a medical professional and keep records of on-going care.

Step 10- Give us a call or text at 833-LOW-FEE5 (833-569-3335) or send us an email at info@lowercase.com.

Make sure that you keep your own records of the incident. You should never assume the retail store will document the incident properly. 

Unfortunately, retail businesses do sometimes put their own interests before the safety of their customers. At the time of the incident, the store managers or employees may offer apologies, but when it comes time to compensate you for your pain and suffering, medical bills or lost wages, those kind words won’t mean much. Be sure you have the evidence to support your claims just in case you eventually have to prove the business’s negligence in court.

In some cases relating to retail negligence, the severity of your injuries will determine whether or not you should acquire legal representation. For more severe injuries, such as head trauma, deep wounds, broken bones, serious neck or back injuries, or other injuries requiring hospitalization or substantial medical expenses, it is best to seek out an experienced attorney familiar with retail negligence litigation.

With an attorney from our lowercase law team, you have more power in negotiating a fair settlement. If your injury lawyer feels the settlement offer is not adequate for your damages, they can file a lawsuit and pursue other legal tactics to ensure you receive the compensation that you deserve.

The knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyers at lowercase are ready to help you assess the circumstances around your injury and outline the best course of legal action. Call us today at 833-LOW-FEE5 (833-569-3335) so our team can make sure your rights are protected.