It may come as a surprise, but many people sustain serious injuries while shopping in department stores. Read on to learn more about how these accidents occur and who may be held responsible for a department store injury.
How do Department Store Accidents Occur?
Unfortunately, there are countless ways to become injured while simply browsing the aisles. But, the majority of department store accidents are due to:
- Slippery surfaces: When spills are left unattended, serious slip and fall accidents may occur.
- Defective stairs and escalators: Defective railings, broken or missing steps, improperly maintained escalators, or mechanical malfunctions can result in injuries.
- Falling merchandise: It is important to note that patrons are most frequently injured by falling merchandise in department stores and supermarkets.
- Inadequate lighting: When areas are insufficiently lit, people often do not see certain safety hazards, causing them to trip/fall/bump into things, etc.
- Unsafe parking lots: Uneven pavement, construction work, negligent signage, misdirected cars, criminal activity, and more are all very common causes of parking lot accidents.
- Defective sidewalks: Business owners are responsible for ensuring any sidewalk they own is safe for walkers.
Who is Responsible for a Department Store Accident?
Store owners and their employees owe patrons a duty of care. This means that they must ensure that the property is safe for shoppers at all times. In order to do this, they can conduct routine inspections to make sure there are no hazards. If a hazard is found, it should be rectified immediately. If these inspections are not done, or a hazard is not removed in time, patrons can become seriously injured. If this occurs, the store owner and/or employees can be considered negligent and held responsible.
How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are injured in a department store due to another party’s negligence, you may wish to take legal action. In Texas, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years. Failing to file within two years from the date of the accident will likely mean losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve to heal from your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a department store in Texas, reach out to our experienced firm today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED HOUSTON FIRM
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.
