Brooklyn In-Store Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
New York attorneys help victims who fall in retail stores get compensation
Retail stores open their doors to the public, inviting shoppers to enter, browse and buy. This invitation imposes a duty on the retailer to provide an environment that is reasonably safe for those customers. When a shopper encounters a hidden hazard that causes a sudden slip or trip resulting in a fall, the retailer can be liable for losses stemming from the shopper’s injuries. However, if you’ve been hurt in this way, there are challenges to proving your case and recovering damages, which is why you should immediately contact one of the experienced New York premises liability lawyers at Goldberg Sager & Associates in Brooklyn.
Impact of slip and fall accidents in stores across Brooklyn
Whether you’re in a mom and pop shop, your local bodega, a pharmacy or a big box store, such as Target or Home Depot, a careless store operator could create a serious risk. Slip and fall injuries can be devastating, or even fatal, to a customer. This is especially true for elderly patrons and those with existing medical conditions. Even if the immediate medical condition is expected to heal, pain could linger for months or years.
Common causes of retail store slip and fall accidents
Slip and fall accidents occur when a shopper encounters a hazard that is either difficult to see or unavoidable. Factors commonly found in slip and fall accidents include the following:
- Spills and leaks
- Absence of warning signs
- Damaged flooring/carpets
- Snow/ice on walkways
- Irregular floor displays
- Poor lighting
Shop owners must be vigilant about conditions such as slippery floors, especially during inclement weather when moisture can be tracked in.
Typical injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents
Falls onto a hard surface can cause a range of debilitating injuries, such as:
- Bone fractures
- Concussions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments, muscles, tendons and cartilage
Even when a person does not hit the ground, a slip can cause muscle strains from exertion as the person tries to maintain their balance.
Determining liability for store slip and fall accidents
The question of retailer liability depends on whether the store operator was negligent or if they took reasonable measures to protect their customers. Retail owners and managers must seek and discover hidden hazards or face potential liability for accidents involving conditions they knew about or should have known about. Establishments that have protocols in place for correcting or warning about hazards might be able to limit or avoid a damage award. Cases often center whether a diligent retailer would have had sufficient time to discover and remedy the unsafe condition.
Steps to take after a slip and fall accident in Brooklyn, NY
Slip and fall accidents can be difficult to prove. You should try to document the incident by:
- Taking cellphone photos of the hazard
- Collecting witness contact information
- Reporting the incident to store management
- Seeking immediate medical attention
Finally, as soon as you are able, you should contact a Brooklyn slip and fall accident lawyer at our firm, so we can begin working on obtaining the compensation you deserve.
