What You Need to Know About Retail Store Accidents in Florida

As retail stores in Florida and across the country reopen, the chances of an accident occurring on their premises greatly increase. This is an unfortunate reality, however, if you have sustained a serious injury, we are here to protect your rights. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Florida personal injury attorneys to learn more about retail store accidents, what to do if you have been injured in one, and how our firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What most frequently causes retail store accidents?

Retail store accidents occur for a wide range of reasons, though perhaps unsurprisingly, they can most commonly be attributed to some sort of negligence, oftentimes on the part of the retail store owner or staff. Though many accidents occur because of unsafe conditions within the store itself, many accidents are also a result of hazardous conditions present on the store’s surrounding grounds. For example, people are frequently injured due to unsafe parking lots with negligent signage, potholes, and inadequate lighting preventing customers from seeing certain safety hazards. Additionally, defective sidewalks on retail store grounds with, for example, uneven pavement, loose debris, and more can also cause injuries. That being said, there are several common unsafe conditions within retail stores, such as spills left unattended causing serious slip and falls, falling merchandise from shelves, poorly placed floor mats, and more. The bottom line is that if you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. 

What should I do after an accident in a retail store?

If you are injured in a retail store accident, there are several steps you should take (as long as you are physically capable) to bolster your chances of winning a future personal injury claim. They are as follows:

  1. Call the police. They will document the incident upon arrival and send an ambulance to take you to a hospital for medical treatment. 
  2. From here, you should immediately notify the store manager/owner of your injuries, and he or she should file an incident report. 
  3. Next, take pictures of the unsafe conditions before someone has a chance to clear them away, and ask anyone who saw your accident for their name, phone number, and email so they may corroborate your claim at a later date. 
  4. Once you are treated at a hospital, ensure you ask your doctor for all medical documentation concerning the origin and extent of your injuries, including how they may affect your life going forward. 
  5. Retain the services of an experienced Jacksonville personal injury attorney who can gather and present all additional evidence needed (such as surveillance footage of the accident) to prove that the liable party knew or should have reasonably known about the unsafe conditions, failed to fix them, and that you were injured and suffered significant damages as a result. Ensure you do so within the state’s statute of limitations, which is, generally, four years from the date of your accident. Failing to do so will most likely result in you losing your right to sue. We are ready to begin the claims process on your behalf as soon as possible so we can fight for your right to a swift recovery. 

Contact our experienced Florida firm

Ansbacher Law is composed of knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to assist clients with various legal matters throughout North Florida. We understand the urgency of your personal injury claim and additional legal matters, which is why we provide each of our clients with compassionate and efficient legal assistance, every step of the way. Please contact our office for an initial consultation today.