Grocery store accidents, such as slips and falls on wet floors, may result in serious injuries that can impact your life in numerous ways. Understanding liability in Pennsylvania and knowing your rights after such an accident is crucial. Larry Pitt & Associates can make a difference in your case, allowing you to recover from financial losses after an injury.
Types of Accidents That Can Happen in a Grocery Store
When you think of a grocery store, accidents probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are a variety of incidents that can occur in these locations.
Slips and falls are the most common type, often caused by wet floors, torn carpeting, or poorly placed objects on the floor. Other accidents may involve falling objects from high shelves, shopping cart accidents, or parking lot mishaps. It is also possible to suffer from accidents related to broken glass or sharp can lids, unsanitary conditions leading to illness, or even injuries from malfunctioning doors or escalators.
Common Causes of Wet Floors in Grocery Stores
A trip to the grocery store is an everyday task, but danger may lurk in the form of wet floors caused by various hazards.
Spills and Leaks
Grocery stores contain many products that can spill or leak, creating a slippery surface. Whether it’s a mishandled bottle of olive oil, a dropped jar of pickles, or a leaking freezer unit, these incidents are a common reason for wet floors.
It’s not just food items that pose a risk. Cleaning products, which are often highly slippery when spilled, are another potential hazard. Then, there are natural causes like rainwater or snow tracked in from outside by customers, which can also lead to slippery floors.
Inadequate Maintenance
Even with the best safety precautions, spills and leaks are bound to occur. That’s why it’s crucial for grocery stores to have an efficient cleaning and maintenance system in place.
Some accidents occur because of inadequate or delayed clean-up. This could be due to understaffing, employee negligence, or ineffective cleaning procedures. For instance, an employee may mop up a spilled substance, but if the area is not properly dried, it can still present a slipping hazard.
In other cases, a grocery store may fail to promptly put up a “wet floor” sign after cleaning a spill or during store maintenance. Without this warning, customers may unwittingly walk into a danger zone, risking grocery store accidents.
Steps to Take After a Grocery Store Accident
Experiencing a slip and fall accident in a grocery store can be disorienting and stressful. However, it’s critical to stay composed and take the appropriate steps in the aftermath of the incident. These steps can have a significant impact on any future legal claim you may pursue.
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after an accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention—even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. Prompt medical attention ensures your health is not at risk, and it establishes an official record of the incident and your injuries.
Document the Scene
If possible, document the scene of the accident. This can include taking photos or videos of where you fell and what caused the accident. This evidence can be invaluable in demonstrating the grocery store’s negligence.
Also, gather the names and contact information of any witnesses. This could include other customers, store employees, or anyone else present at the time of the accident. Their accounts can provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Finally, report the accident to the store’s management before leaving the store, and ask for a copy of their official accident report. If the management refuses to provide a copy, note the date and time of the refusal, as well as the name of the person who refused.
Legal Process and Compensation
After properly gathering evidence and seeking medical attention, it’s time to begin the legal process.
Filing a Claim in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, claiming compensation after a grocery store accident typically involves filing a premises liability lawsuit. You file the lawsuit against the grocery store or their insurance carrier.
Proving negligence is a key factor—you must demonstrate that the store knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to rectify it, leading to your injury. This can be a complex process, which is why legal advice is so valuable.
Types of Compensation Available
Once you’ve filed a claim, you may be eligible for several types of compensation. These can cover your medical bills, loss of earnings if you’ve had to take time off work, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and potentially more. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the specific details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the degree of negligence on the part of the grocery store.
Why Choose Larry Pitt & Associates
When seeking legal representation for your grocery store accident in Pennsylvania, choose a firm with the right expertise and commitment to their clients.
Larry Pitt & Associates has extensive experience in dealing with grocery store accidents. Our firm understands the nuances of Pennsylvania’s premises liability laws and has a proven track record of winning compensation for our clients.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a grocery store accident in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation by calling 1-888-PITT-LAW or submitting a form.
