If you have ever been injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, you may be wondering if you can file a lawsuit against the store.
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the state where the accident occurred and how the injury was sustained.
In most cases, slip and fall accidents at grocery stores are the responsibility of the store owner or manager. This is because these types of accidents are typically the result of someone’s negligence, such as a spill that was not properly cleaned up or a wet floor that was not clearly marked.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, it is important to contact a Florida premises liability lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath as soon as possible. Our attorneys will be able to review your case and determine if you are entitled to file a lawsuit against the store.
If you would like more information about slip and fall accidents at grocery stores, call (561) 655-1990 today.
Grocery Stores’ Legal Obligations to Customers
In the state of Florida, grocery store owners and managers have a legal obligation to ensure that their customers are safe while on the premises. This means cleaning up any spills or hazards as quickly as possible.
This is a duty to maintain safe premises. If a grocery store owner or manager fails to uphold this duty, and, as a result, you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the store.
As a customer, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means taking the time to look for spills or hazards and avoiding areas that may be slippery or unsafe.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath as soon as possible. We will be able to review your case and determine if you are entitled to file a lawsuit against the store.
Common Reasons for Grocery Store Slip and Falls
- Wet floors – Grocery stores are often busy places, and it is not always possible for store employees to clean up every spill as soon as it happens. This can lead to wet floors that are a major hazard for customers.
- Uneven surfaces – Uneven surfaces, such as concrete floors with potholes, cracked linoleum, or areas where the carpet has worn away, can cause customers to trip or stumble.
- Hazardous substances – Grocery stores may have hazardous substances on the floor, such as oils or cleaning products. If these substances are not rinsed or wiped up properly during hours of operation, they can lead to slip and falls or chemical reactions.
- Blocked pathways – You’ve probably seen employees restocking areas during open hours. It’s key to exercise caution in these instances, especially around entrances and exits. Boxes, dollies, and packing materials can all be tripping hazards in a busy store.
- Poor lighting – Failure to replace burnt-out bulbs or adequately light a public area can lead to falls and other injury-causing accidents.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath as soon as possible.
Injuries Caused by Slip and Falls
- Concussion/TBI – A concussion or other type of brain injury can be caused by a slip and fall accident.
- Lacerations – Slips and falls can often result in lacerations, which can lead to infection if not treated properly.
- Hip fractures – Hip fractures are an unfortunate result of a fall that requires surgery and a lengthy recovery.
- Broken bones – Slip and fall accidents can often lead to broken bones, such as wrists, ankles, or hips.
- Back injuries – Back injuries may require surgery and can cause chronic pain that’s tough to resolve.
- Spinal cord injuries – A spinal cord injury can be a devastating outcome, leading to the paralysis of limbs.
- Sprains and strains – Sprains and strains are common and usually heal up fine with treatment, but that doesn’t mean you should be responsible for the medical bills.
If you have been injured as the result of a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath at (561) 655-1990 today.
Situations in Which You Can File a Lawsuit
Management failed to clean a spill within a reasonable amount of time.
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, and the store management failed to clean up the spill within a reasonable amount of time, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the store.
This is because the store management had a duty to keep the premises safe for customers, and they failed to do so.
Management failed to provide a warning about the spill.
The reason you see yellow “wet floor” signs near spills or mopped areas is because a store owner or manager knows it is their responsibility to provide a warning about hazardous areas. Failure to warn customers about a very common hazard is often a clear case of liability.
Management was notified but did nothing about the spill.
Sometimes, an employee or customer will tell management about a hazard, but they don’t act quickly enough. They knew there was the potential for an injury, but did not prioritize customer safety.
Who’s Responsible?
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible. However, there are several things to consider, such as the condition of the floor, whether or not there was a warning about the spill, and how long it took for management to address the spill.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today for a free consultation. We will help you determine who is responsible for your injuries and what steps to take next. Call (561) 655-1990 now.
