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Are Stores Responsible If You Fall While Shopping?

On Behalf of | Dec 27, 2021 | Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Whether you are in a grocery store picking up food for dinner or holiday shopping for loved ones, you likely don’t consider the act of visiting a retail establishment to be a risky endeavor. While stores are generally safe places, there are certain risks you could face if the owner or management is negligent. Trip-and-fall and slip-and-fall accidents are some of the most common reasons why shoppers suffer injuries in stores.

If you fell while you were in a store, is the store responsible for what happened to you? Retailers are responsible for ensuring that stores are as safe as reasonably possible by removing risks and addressing safety concerns promptly. It is possible your injuries are not your fault, and you may have grounds to pursue a premises liability claim against the store.

Keeping you safe

Any type of retail establishment should work diligently to ensure that there are no issues that could possibly place visitors at risk. A slip-and-fall accident can cause serious, potentially debilitating injuries, and it is critical to address hazards that could lead to these types of events. Ways that retailers can reduce the chance of these accidents include:

  • Remove pallets and other hazards that could block walkways
  • Repair cracks in the floor or uneven surfaces
  • Maintain good lighting so shoppers can see where they are walking
  • Clean up any spilled liquid as soon as possible
  • Post caution signs or block off areas that could be slippery and cause someone to fall
  • Remove cords or any other hazards that could cause one to trip
  • Keep outdoor areas and walkways free from hazards
  • Install good lighting in all outdoor areas

After a slip-and-fall accident, you will benefit from seeking medical help as soon as possible. This will provide you with care for your injuries, as well as establish the extent of your injuries. Documentation and medical evidence is a crucial part of any premises liability claim.

What’s next?

After a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident, you may be unsure of what to do next. You may even assume that you are at least partially to blame for what happened to you. In reality, you could be a victim of negligent maintenance and other factors beyond your control. You will benefit from an explanation of your legal options, which may include pursuing compensation through the New Mexico civil justice system.

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