Department store accidents in Maryland can occur for a number of reasons, and many can cause serious injuries to victims. Common hazards like wet floors, inadequately stocked shelves, defective escalators, and inadequately maintained premises can cause unsuspecting shoppers to experience serious injuries. As such, when store owners or management fail to ensure your safety when lawfully on the premises, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of retaining the services of an experienced Prince George’s County slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.
How Do Department Store Accidents Occur in Maryland?
Department store accidents in Maryland and the greater D.C. metropolitan area can happen in a variety of different ways. However, the bulk of these injuries is a direct result of a store owner and/or employee negligence. Department stores, in accordance with premises liability laws, have a legal obligation to conduct reasonable inspections of the premises, remedy dangerous conditions, and inform customers and those lawfully on the premises of known dangers and defects.
Common Hazards That Can Result in Department Store Injuries
- Falling merchandise from shelves
- Liquids on bathroom floors
- Spills left uncleaned
- Poorly placed floor mats
- Defective escalators, elevators, or other equipment used in the store
- Poorly lit parking lots
- Lack of security
- Aisles littered with debris
- Broken shopping carts
- Slippery entryways during wet weather
Why Department Store Accidents Frequently Occur
- Employees fail to adequately and reasonably inspect the property
- Spills are not cleaned in a timely manner
- Hazards are ignored or neglected
- Store owners or management prioritize operation over safety
Where Do Accidents in Department Stores Commonly Occur
- Parking lots
- Entryways
- Aisles
- Checkout lanes
- Bathrooms
- Escalators
- Loading zones
Unfortunately, when large, heavily trafficked retail locations are not adequately inspected, the risk of injuries can increase
What Injuries Are Common in Department Store Accidents?
Due to the wide array of accidents that can occur, there are several injuries someone may sustain as a result of a department store accident. Unfortunately, some of the injuries can result in long-term issues, including chronic pain, prolonged hospitalization, or permanent disability.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord damage
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and contusions
- Hip injuries
- Permanent disability
What Steps Should I Take After a Department Store Accident in Prince George’s County?
Store owners and employees are responsible for ensuring that their properties are made safe to prevent customer injuries. Store owners and employees can do this by conducting periodic checks of the property to ensure that there are no dangerous conditions present. If these routine inspections are not made, and an injury occurs as a result, the store owner and employees may be held liable for negligence.
Important Steps to Take Following a Store Injury
- Call 911 to request medical assistance and a police presence
- Take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident, including the hazard and your visible injuries
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Request to file a store incident report
- Preserve the shoes and clothing worn at the time of the accident
- Retain all medical records, including treatment plans and bills
- Seek medical attention directly after your accident occurs to ensure your injuries are properly treated, while also providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries
- Do not post about your injuries or the accident on social media
- Do not provide a recorded statement to insurance companies without first speaking to an attorney
- Obtain the services of an experienced Prince George’s County slip and fall lawyer to help you gather more evidence, including police reports and security camera footage
Who Can Face Liability for a Department Store Accident?
Liability for injuries and damages sustained in a Prince George’s County department store will depend on a number of factors, including who is responsible for creating, fixing, or ignoring the hazard. Due to these circumstances, it is possible that multiple parties may share responsibility for the damages. Because these matters can be complex, working with an experienced attorney is critical to ensure you can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Parties That Can Face Responsibility
- Department store owners
- Property managers
- Maintenance companies contracted with the store
- Manufacturers, in product liability cases (like escalator or elevator accidents)
- Security companies
- Cleaning contractors
What Must Be Proven in a Maryland Premises Liability Claim
In order to recover compensation, the injured party must prove:
- Duty of care: The business owed you a duty of care to ensure the premises were safe
- Breach of duty: The business failed to ensure the premises were safe, resulting in a hazard
- Causation: The hazard or dangerous condition caused your injuries
- Damages: Your injuries resulted in financial damages
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Firm
At McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P., our legal team has a strong focus on litigation that seeks just and fair compensation for victims of another party’s negligence. If you need a Prince George’s County personal injury lawyer that handles cases in Maryland, Washington D.C., or Virginia, our firm has the resources and knowledge needed to take a case as far as necessary, including to the U.S. Supreme Court. If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact us today.
