Retail Store Slip and Fall Accident
A slip and fall in a retail store can lead to serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall while visiting a retail outlet, ensure you are represented by a premises liability attorney who will manage every aspect of the process of seeking compensation. Every case is unique in circumstances and degree of the injuries sustained, and the amount of compensation will vary.
Who is Liable for a Fall in a Retail Store?
A retail store has a legal “duty of care.” This is the obligation to ensure others on the property are safe, and not at risk of suffering an injury or other harm. When a property owner fails to ensure the store has safe walking surfaces, or posts warnings to alert of a hazard, and a visitor, shopper, delivery person, or employee slips and falls, the store owners may be liable for what occurred.
What Injuries are Sustained in a Slip and Fall in a Store?
A slip and fall accident may be a minor, embarrassing incident – or a physical disaster. A slip and fall can lead to very, very serious injuries, including but not limited to:
- Head Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Soft Tissue Injuries (sprains, strains, severe bruising)
- Hip Fractures
- Sprained or Broken Wrist, Ankles, Knees, Shoulder
- Cuts and Abrasions
- Neck Injuries
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Slip and Fall?
After a serious injury sustained in a slip and fall in a retail store, it is natural to be focused on your health and recovery – but the legal issues must be addressed as early as possible. Prompt action taken by your personal injury lawyer makes it possible to gather and preserve critical evidence to support your claim. The statute of limitations in Colorado allows for two years from the time of the accident in which to file a claim. While this may seem to be plenty of time, filing a claim with the retail outlet’s insurance company should occur as early as possible after the injuries. Your attorney will take all the necessary actions to protect the right to fair and full compensation.
How Much is My Case Worth?
Every case is valued individually. The extent of the injuries sustained, and the long-term impact on your health and abilities may require some time to evaluate. Some victims are seriously, catastrophically, or fatally injured. When the slip and fall has led to the need for years of medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other treatments, the value of the compensation pursued will be very high.
Every detail of the injuries is evaluated, including the losses associated with the inability to work and earn a living, now and in the future, the emotional anguish, pain, and suffering caused by the injuries, and the long-term impact on your earning capacity, among other factors. Once completed, which may require support from professional resources such as medical and financial experts, a value is placed on your claim.
The Holiday Season and Slip and Fall Accidents
The number of slip and fall accidents increases during the holiday season. Large crowds of shoppers, typically with wet boots, visit grocery stores to purchase large quantities of food for holiday get-togethers, malls to purchase holiday gifts, and at big box outlets searching for deals or volume purchases. The combined factors of wet or snowy weather and busier stores increases the possibility of a slip and fall accident. Items can fall from large displays, posing a trip and fall hazard, and food spills, wet boots, and the crush of many shoppers can lead to a disaster. Older adults experience slips and falls more frequently, but persons of any age can suffer serious physical damage in such an accident.
Meet With a Lawyer First
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a slip and fall in a retail store, contact the legal team at Whitaker & Penix, LLC as early as possible after the accident. As former prosecuting attorneys, we have an uncommon level of knowledge on the legal system, from both sides, and use our knowledge to benefit our clients. Call us today at (970) 368-0602 today for a free initial consultation.