The holiday shopping season is a time in which many individuals in New Mexico and elsewhere may choose to brave the crowds at their preferred shopping destinations. Even as the end of the season nears, many may be preparing to return or exchange items and stores may continue to see high levels of traffic even through the end of the year. As high consumer traffic can create various safety concerns, knowing some slip-and-fall hazards to watch out for could be integral to staying safe.
Studies indicate that fall-related accidents continue to prove a major concern for many shoppers during this time of year. Some examples of slip and fall hazards to watch out for while shopping may include:
- Slippery entrances: In areas with high consumer traffic, water or debris could build up at store entrances and create dire safety concerns.
- Floor clutter: Holiday decorations and signs could also act to increase floor clutter in stores and if pathways do not remain free of clutter, there may be greater risk of a dangerous outcome.
- Stairs and escalators: Those who visit busy stores during the holidays may use stairways and escalators to traverse the area and if these areas are not properly maintained, the results could prove disastrous.
Those who shop in areas with food courts may also find it helpful to watch out for fluid spills, as such issues could pose a significant threat to the safety of everyone nearby.
Suffering serious injuries in a slip-and-fall accident during the holiday shopping season can be stressful and daunting experience. Should the incident occur due to the negligent actions of property owners, a person in New Mexico could benefit from speaking with an attorney for advice on all his or her available legal avenues. An attorney can examine the incident, along with a client’s injuries, and assist in pursuing the restitution entitled through a claim against all parties deemed responsible.