Retail stores welcome countless visitors daily, but hazards like wet floors, cluttered aisles, or uneven surfaces can lead to slip and fall incidents. These accidents result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures, prompting legal action to address medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.  If this happened to you, compensation may be available.

What Causes Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores?

Slip and fall incidents in retail environments stem from:

• Spilled liquids, like water or oil, on the floors.
• Poorly maintained floors, including cracked tiles or loose carpeting, pose tripping risks.
• Inadequate lighting and decreased visibility.
• Cluttered walkways with misplaced merchandise to trip over.
• Weather-related issues, like tracked-in rainwater.
• Items falling from heights, like packages on shelves.

Store owners must maintain safe premises, and failure to address these hazards may establish liability if an injury occurs.

Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Injury?

Determining responsibility in a slip and fall case involves assessing the store’s duty of care. Property owners, including retail businesses, must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This includes regular inspections, timely repairs, and clear warnings about hazards. If a store employee knew about a dangerous condition, such as a spill, and did not act, the business may be liable.

What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Slip and Fall Claim?

A strong slip and fall case requires compelling evidence, such as:

• Photographs of the hazard.
• Video footage of the accident.
• Witness testimonies from other shoppers or employees.
• Medical records documenting injuries, treatments, and costs to link the accident to the harm suffered.
• Store incident reports or maintenance logs may reveal prior knowledge of the hazard.

Promptly collecting this information strengthens the claim by demonstrating the store’s failure to maintain a safe environment.

How Are Damages Calculated in a Slip and Fall Case?

Damages in slip and fall cases can cover economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, physical therapy, or prescription costs, while lost wages account for income missed due to injury-related work absences. Future medical care or reduced earning capacity may also be factored in for severe injuries.

Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life. Courts evaluate these losses based on evidence like medical documentation, pay stubs, and personal accounts of the injury’s impact. Accurate calculations require thorough record-keeping and professional guidance.

What Steps Should Be Taken After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Immediate actions after a slip and fall incident significantly affect a claim’s outcome. Seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor injuries. When possible (ideally before leaving the scene), report the accident to store management and request a written incident report.

Photograph the scene, including the hazard and the surrounding area, and collect contact information from witnesses. Avoid making detailed statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice, as they may use these to jeopardize your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

Time limits for filing a slip and fall lawsuit, known as statutes of limitations, vary by state. In California, the deadline is typically two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline usually bars the claim, preventing recovery of damages. Exceptions may apply, such as delayed discovery of injuries, but these are rare. Acting promptly allows time to gather evidence, assess damages, and build a strong case. Consulting with our Hemet lawyers soon after the incident can work to your advantage.

Our Hemet Slip and Fall Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Have Extensive Personal Injury Law Experience

If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident at a retail store, Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel (LMSCR) is ready to assist. With extensive experience in personal injury law, our Hemet slip and fall lawyers provide dedicated guidance and assertive representation. For a free consultation, submit our online form or call 909-889-1131. Located in Ontario and Victorville, California, we serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.