Were you hurt in a slip and fall accident in the grocery store? While falling down and sustaining a few injuries may seem like a minor incident, you could end up dealing with damage that worsens over time and impacts you for years to come.
If you are a slip and fall accident victim, we encourage you to reach out to a Palmdale grocery store slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. You have the right to seek compensation, and a Palmdale slip and fall lawyer can help.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we prioritize putting our clients first. Always! We have decades of experience between us, and with our law firm by your side, we can help you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Common Causes of Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents
As your Palmdale personal injury lawyer will explain, grocery stores have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for their customers. Unfortunately, negligence in terms of upkeeping and managing the store can result in hazardous conditions.
Here are a number of common causes that lead to customers slipping and falling:
- Spilled liquids, freshly mopped floors, or leaks
- Products or equipment left in walkways
- Damaged tiles, worn-out carpets, or uneven flooring
- Poor or inadequate lighting set-ups
- Poorly stacked shelves
- Broken entrances or exits
All these hazards can pose serious risks to shoppers. Unfortunately, they can also give life to accidents that could have otherwise been prevented if proper care and attention were applied to the situation beforehand.
Proving Liability in a Grocery Store Slip and Fall Case
Before you can successfully recover compensation in a slip and fall case, your Palmdale grocery store slip and fall attorney must prove that either the store or its employees—if not both—acted negligently.
This involves demonstrating that the following details were true at the time of your fall:
- The hazard existed: There was a dangerous condition in the store that posed a risk to customers.
- The store knew—or should have known—about the hazard: The store owner or staff members were aware of the hazard. If they were not aware of the hazard, there is reason to believe that they should have discovered it during routine inspections.
- The hazard was not addressed: The store failed to fix the issue, warn customers of the hazard in question, or take reasonable steps to prevent an accident from occurring.
- Your injuries were a direct result of the hazard: You suffered harm and sustained injuries as a direct result of the store’s negligence.
Common Injuries From Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Broken bones—like fractures in the wrists, arms, hips, or ankles—are especially common. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can also arise if you hit your head on a hard surface.
Spinal injuries—namely herniated discs—may lead to chronic pain and mobility issues as well. Meanwhile, you could end up having to heal from soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains, or torn ligaments. Even seemingly minor injuries, like cuts and bruises, may require medical attention.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of slip and fall accidents in grocery stores may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Here are some examples of what you might receive when you file a personal injury claim and hire an attorney to build a case on your behalf:
- Costs of hospitalization, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and medical care
- Income that you missed out on due to the time you spent away from work
- Money to compensate for not being able to return to work in the same capacity
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress from the accident
- Punitive damages to punish the grocery store for its actions
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims?
In many situations, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of the accident. This includes slip and fall cases, and a Palmdale grocery store slip and fall lawyer can help you abide by this timeframe.
If you fail to file your claim within this 24-month time frame, you might lose your right to pursue compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule, namely if the claim involves a government entity or if the injured party is a minor.
Contact a Palmdale Grocery Store Slip and Fall Attorney Immediately
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t put off the process of asking for help. At Omega Law Group, our lawyers understand that you’re likely under a lot of stress, and we want to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
We are ready to fight for your rights and help you obtain the financial compensation you are rightfully entitled to as the victim of a slip and fall incident. Call us today to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.