The average person goes shopping at the grocery store about six times per month. With 72 trips to the store every year, it should be no surprise that grocery store injuries are a relatively common occurrence.
Whether you shop for your family’s food at Publix, Walmart, or a local supermarket, you should know that if you get hurt in a grocery store that you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Here are 10 common grocery store injuries and accidents that could mean you need to file a lawsuit.
Common Grocery Store Accidents
Many of the grocery store accidents can be classified as slip and fall accidents. For example, if an employee mops a section of the floor but fails to put up proper signage and someone falls, that person could be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Here are some of the most common accidents that occur:
- Slip and fall accidents due to debris
- Slip and fall accidents due to spilled liquid or wet floors
- Improperly placed floor mats
- Falling items
- Uneven or damaged pavement on sidewalks or in the parking lot
While there are many more kinds of accidents that may occur at a grocery store, these appear to be the most common. If you were hurt because of your supermarket’s negligence, speak to an attorney now.
In the meantime, it’s also important to know what types of injuries are common for grocery store customers. Here are the injuries we see and hear about the most.
Common Grocery Store Injuries
- Broken bones, such as fractures in the bones of the arms, legs, and hips.
- Cuts and bruises from sharp edges and hard surfaces.
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
- Spinal column and spinal cord injuries.
- Dental and facial injuries.
Many of the personal injury cases we take on are the result of a slip and fall in a grocery store. Some of the most vulnerable people in our society—particularly the elderly and those with limited mobility—are especially susceptible to grocery story injuries when a supermarket employee is negligent.
You may not feel that your slip and fall accident was serious enough to warrant a lawsuit, but you should continue to pay attention to your injuries in the days and weeks following the incident. Some grocery store injuries take a little time to notice. For this reason, it is also important that you seek a medical evaluation after you fall on private property.
Can You Sue a Grocery Store for Injury?
Wondering if you can sue a grocery store for injury?
If you were injured while in a grocery store, you may be able to sue for compensatory damages in a civil court. A premises liability-related injury lawsuit, such as a slip and fall incident, will probably involve a personal injury claim.
Moreover, compensatory damages are monetary compensation granted to the victim to cover in paying for your medical expenses and any lost wages from being unable to work due to your injury. If you were injured because of the store owner or employee’s negligence, you might have a valid case.
In addition, if an injured plaintiff can show that the grocery store owner created a dangerous condition in the store or was aware of a hazardous situation but did not exercise reasonable care to fix a slippery floor. In that case, they may be found to have been negligent. Likewise, this standard can apply if a customer falls and suffers injuries on the grocery show’s premises because of negligent practices.
A grocery store may have been negligent if certain circumstances exist, such as:
- Another customer was hurt in an accident due to the same hazard;
- The grocery shop staff was aware of the dangerous condition but failed to address it or exercise care;
- The perilous condition persisted for a very long time before it was fixed.
What Should You Do If You Slip and Fall in a Grocery Store?
If you’re an accident victim and tried to file a lawsuit against the grocery store, you’ll need multiple people to agree on specific events that led to your accident. For example, the grocery store could’ve cleaned a wet floor to prevent a slipping hazard or placed wet floor warning signs.
Additionally, you will need to show that the injuries you sustained from the accident caused your disability. In some cases, the defendant might argue that you sustained your injuries before or after the accident. Because of this, it is in your best interest to seek medical treatment immediately following the incident. Document the injuries closely so they can be appropriately assessed. You may also consider taking clear and detailed photographs of any damage to personal property or the body.
Furthermore, you’ll need to show proof of any expenses related to your damages and injuries. These records are often taken into account while determining your compensatory damages. Medical bills, long-term treatment plans, repair invoices, and documented evidence that you can’t work due to the grocery store’s irresponsibility are just a few examples of this material.
Compensation
Here is a list of some of the compensation you may be eligible to receive:
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Medical expenses
Medical expenses can be extensive. These may include hospital stays, testing, medications, and other treatments like physical therapy. Replacement of income is possible through the compensation for medical expenses policy.
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Loss of income
If you have received a debilitating injury that prevents you from working, it can be tough to know if you will be required to continue holding your current job. As a result, you may qualify for front pay, an income calculated based on your past earnings.
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Pain and suffering
Physical injuries may not just result in physical pain but also emotional and mental pain. There is a chance of legal damages compensating for your distress caused by an incident.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Attorney about Your Case Today
If you are in a slip and fall accident at a grocery store, it is absolutely critical that you speak to an attorney about your experience. With knowledgeable guidance, you have a better chance of getting the compensation you are owed.
Contact the personal injury attorneys at RRBH Law today to schedule a consultation. We will help you take the first steps toward justice for your case.