December 19, 2022
How Can I Avoid a Slip and Fall Accident When Shopping for the Holidays?
Despite the fact that many shoppers prefer doing their holiday shopping online, there are still plenty of consumers who do some or all of their holiday shopping in person. If you are among these brave consumers, you may anticipate the long lines and aggressive shoppers who are clamoring for the same hot item. However, you may not realize that there is also an increase in slip and fall accidents from Black Friday until Christmas. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident while holiday shopping, contact a highly skilled slip and fall lawyer at your earliest convenience.
What Are the Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of a slip and fall accident when shopping during the holidays. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents during the holiday season:
- Broken floor tiles and other flooring issues
- Bunched up carpeting that poses a tripping hazard
- Cluttered store aisles, or debris and merchandise that fell on the floor while a worker was stocking shelves
- Cracks in the sidewalk or pavement
- Distracted, stressed and aggressive shoppers who push and shove other shoppers.
- Failure to block off, or post warnings of potential hazards.
- Floors that are slippery after recently being mopped
- Lack of proper crowd control by store managers or security personnel
- Poor lighting
- Poorly maintained public areas
- Slippery parking lots, sidewalks, entryways, and store floors caused by inclement weather like rain, snow, and ice.
- Staircases with loose, or missing railings
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in a Store?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in a situation where the accident could have been avoided if the property owner had taken reasonable steps to keep the property and the shopping conditions safe, the business owner and/or property owner may be liable for your injuries and related losses. If this is the case, you must be able to prove that negligence was involved. This generally occurs when the store owner or a store employee fails to act with reasonable care, which causes you to become injured.
If the store owner or employee was aware of the unsafe condition but failed to take the necessary steps to remedy it, he or she may be held liable for your injuries. The store or property owner must also have had a reasonable amount of time to address the safety hazard but failed to do so. If all of these conditions are met, the store or property owner will likely be held liable, and you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
What Should I Do If I Slip and Fall While Holiday Shopping?
It is important that you take the following steps if you are injured in a slip and fall accident while shopping for the holidays:
- Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
- Collect as much evidence as possible by taking photos of the accident, including any puddle, debris, uneven flooring or poor lighting that likely caused you to fall.
- Take pictures of your injuries.
- If there were witnesses who saw the accident, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement, and ask for their contact information.
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments with your physician.
- Contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer who can walk you through the claims process and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
How Can I Avoid a Holiday Shopping Injury?
One of the best ways to avoid a slip and fall accident is to be aware of our surroundings, which may be easier said than done when you are preoccupied with the hustle and bustle of shopping, navigating crowded stores, and trying to get every gift on your list. However, if you avoid distractions and keep the following safety tips in mind while you are shopping:
- Make sure that you are wearing the appropriate shoes, particularly if you are out shopping during inclement weather like rain, snow, or ice. You are less likely to slip if you are wearing shoes that have a rubber tread.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Avoid talking or texting on the phone or engaging in other distracting behavior while you are navigating a busy store.
- Avoid shopping or parking in areas that are poorly lit, or where you are more likely to slip or trip on a piece of ice, uneven flooring, or bunched-up carpeting.
- Do not use stairs that have broken or missing railings.
- If possible, avoid shopping on weekends, or when the stores are most crowded. That way, the stores may be more organized and better maintained and less likely that you will encounter a slip and fall hazard.
Montgomery County Slip and Fall Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Represent Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident while shopping for the holidays, do not hesitate to contact the Montgomery County slip and fall lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Our dedicated legal team will thoroughly review your case, determine whether negligence was involved and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will continue to fight for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 267-930-2922 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, where we represent clients in Philadelphia, Norristown, and throughout Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Chester County.