Stores have a duty to ensure their patrons are safe while shopping. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured while at a store.
Injuries at stores are more common than most people realize. Every year, many patrons who visit stores sustain injuries while shopping, such as slip and fall injuries or accidents due to objects falling on them.
An injury at a store can be serious and may affect the person for a long time or even permanently. In such situations, it may become necessary to pursue a lawsuit to obtain compensation for the losses caused by the injuries.
Because stores are commercial enterprises, the rules regarding accidents and liability may be complex. The assistance of an experienced lawyer may be needed to ensure that such claims are handled properly.
At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality legal services for those who have been injured due to someone else’s fault. Contact us at (619) 236-9363 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options moving forward.
How to Sue a Store for Injury
If you have been injured while inside a store, your first step should be to contact a qualified lawyer who has experience in handling personal injury lawsuits. The different types of legal issues that can be involved in a store injury lawsuit may be complex. Due to the commercial nature of the setting, issues like liability can be challenging to determine.
However, hiring an experienced lawyer can help ensure that your case is handled correctly and that all legal issues are properly addressed. An attorney can make sure you’re not missing out on any compensation that is owed to you.
If you need to sue a store or commercial retail establishment, here are the initial steps you can take to get started:
- Contact an attorney: Your lawyer can review the facts surrounding the incident and determine if you should pursue a lawsuit
- Seek medical treatment: If you were injured while at a store, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Your health and well-being are your main priority. In some cases, failing to seek medical care might affect your ability to collect compensation in a settlement or lawsuit
- Compile important information and items: You should begin collecting medical files, accident reports, video or photos, and anything else that could be used to support your case
- Avoid volunteering any information: If anyone from the store or their insurance agents are trying to contact you, don’t volunteer any information — it could be used against you. Instead, you should allow your attorney to handle all communications with the opposite side
An experienced attorney can assist you in preparing what is needed for your case. They can begin the process of filing with the courts for you. Handling a store injury case with the help of a personal injury lawyer typically results in a higher verdict or case settlement than cases without an attorney.
What Types of Compensation Do Store Injury Settlements Provide?
Compensation from a store injury settlement or verdict can be comprehensive. They can cover a wide range of losses and expenses connected with the injury, including:
- Medical costs: A settlement can reimburse the injured victim for medical expenses such as hospital or ER bills, medication, costs of therapy and rehab, and surgeries
- Pain and suffering: An injury sustained at a store can sometimes result in extreme pain and suffering. Compensation from a lawsuit can provide financial assistance for those dealing with such pain
- Loss of income: In many instances, the injured person may have to miss work while recovering from their injury. The injury may also affect their ability to earn wages in the future. A settlement can compensate for lost wages or loss of future income
- Wrongful death costs: In the event that the store injury resulted in a loss of life, legal action can help cover wrongful death expenses like funeral costs and loss of household income
Calculating the amount of compensation available is a complex task, and is best handled by a seasoned injury attorney. The compensation amount will also depend on many factors, such as the severity of the injuries involved, as well as local and state injury laws.
Types of Store Injuries
Store injuries can take many forms and involve all sorts of different scenarios. Some common types of store accidents that can happen may involve:
- Slip and fall injuries due to slippery or wet floors
- Injuries from falling objects
- Dangerous structures or shelves
- Unsafe staircases or elevators/escalators
- Lack of security (often connected with assaults)
- Improper lighting or visibility
- Electrocution due to exposed wires
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
As mentioned, store accidents can be serious. They may involve catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other types of severe injuries. Slip and falls account for over 8 million hospital visits each year, and many of these happen in store settings.
Various people can be held liable, including store workers, owners, other patrons, and other parties. An attorney can help determine who is liable, and what type of legal remedy is appropriate for the injury.
Hire a Store Injury Lawyer
Sustaining an injury while shopping is an unexpected and tragic event. No person should be exposed to dangerous conditions inside a store, especially if they are preventable. A store injury can create all sorts of hardships and financial challenges for the injured person and their family.
It is in your best interests to work with an experienced injury lawyer if you were injured in a store. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we have a proven track record of delivering real, substantial results on behalf of our clients. We are dedicated to improving safety everywhere in our communities and holding people and companies accountable for any safety violations.
If you or a loved one were injured at a store due to someone else’s negligence, contact us promptly at (619) 236-9363. We are on hand to guide you through the legal process to help you seek justice and compensation for your losses.