Nearly every department store will be well-run establishments that offer shoppers a safe premises when shopping. A majority of store owners will make sure that their store is relatively free from potential dangers and hazards. Regrettably, with many customers coming in and out of the stores each day can deteriorate a building establishment quickly; ultimately causing potential hazards that may result in serious accidents.
For the most part, accidents inside a retail establishment are preventable. In spite of common precautions taken, not every store owner will apply the same effort in making sure the establishment is reasonably free from dangers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, approximately 9 out of every 10 customer accidents are the result of store owner negligence.
Common Causes of Accidents in Department Stores Across California
A customer shopping inside a store can suffer injuries caused by a number of different accidents. The National Retail Federation reports that the most common accidents that can occur inside a store involve the following:
- Slippery floors
- Recently waxed floors
- Falling merchandise
- Obstruction in the aisles
- Defective elevators, escalators, and staircases
- Protruding shelves
- The breakdown of a slamming or revolving door
- Lack of lighting on walkways or parking lots
- Lack of security
Elements Necessary to Prove a Case Following an Accident
When you have been injured while in a store, you will have the burden to demonstrate that the department store was negligent in causing the accident that lead to your injury. In order to meet the burden of proof, the following factors need to be present in your case:
- There was a dangerous condition in the store that led to your injuries
- The store owner, retailer, or store manager knew or should have been aware of the hazardous condition
- The store owner, retailer, or store manager failed to make the proper reparations in a timely manner or failed to warn about the hazardous condition
- The hazardous condition directly caused the injuries
- The injuries were substantial enough to cause serious damages
After a Retail Store Accident, Consult the Legal Support of a Skilled Premises Liability Attorney
Proving the negligence of a retail store can be a complex matter that may require the legal support of a well-versed premises liability attorney. Premises liability claims in California are subject to strict time constraints; contact a knowledgeable attorney shortly after the accident occurred. A well-versed attorney will work hard to defend your right to a full compensation.
At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, it is of utmost importance to help victims of negligence obtain the restitution they deserve. The firm works diligently to represent the rights and interests of victims of negligence retail store accidents. If you or someone you love was injured while in a retail store, it is important to act quickly and seek legal representation as soon as possible. The State of California has a very strict deadline; consult the attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporationtoday for a free case evaluation.
