With the holiday shopping season underway, there may be a multitude of individuals who are gearing up to check off their list of presents to buy for family members and friends. During this season, retail stores may see a noticeable increase in consumer traffic, and with this increase, there may be some inherent risks involved. Individuals in New Mexico who are preparing to head out and shop for the holidays may benefit from knowing the causes of slip-and-fall accidents and why these issues may be more prevalent during the holiday shopping season.
Safety risks with holiday shopping
There could be numerous types of slip-and-fall risks that could be present in almost any retail shopping environment. Liquid spills are a common type of safety hazard in similar settings and if left unaddressed, a slippery surface could pose a significant threat to the well-being of consumers. Uneven surfaces, poor lighting and cluttered floors are all examples of safety hazards that may lead to a greater risk of fall-related incidents in retail stores.
Studies indicate that while similar issues can exist at any time of year, there may be a higher chance of encountering such safety hazards during the holiday shopping season. Increases in consumer traffic may lead to greater chances of issues such as liquid spills. Stores that are promoting product sales during this season may also have more items placed in store pathways, and these items could clutter floors and obstruct paths, or even act as fall hazards.
Shopping injuries
While many slip-and-fall accident risks may be preventable in nature, if property owners fail to take the necessary steps to provide a safe environment, the results could prove devastating. Individuals in New Mexico who suffer serious injuries during such an incident may face an understandable desire for justice and they could choose to speak with an attorney for advice on their available options for legal recourse. Such guidance could prove integral to helping a person understand what to expect from the process and prepare to pursue the full amount of compensation entitled through a claim against all parties deemed responsible.