Many of us enjoy shopping at retail or department stores on the weekends, or even after a day of work. It can be fun, relaxing, or even necessary when the holidays roll around. However, few of us ever expect to sustain a serious injury in one. Retail store accidents occur throughout Maryland, including Prince George’s County and the surrounding communities. When store owners or employees fail to maintain reasonably safe premises for customers, serious injuries can result from this negligence. If you’ve been injured in a retail store accident, you must continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Maryland personal injury attorneys to learn more about retail store accidents and how we can help you recover the compensation you need.:
Common Causes of Retail Store Accidents in Maryland?
Retail store accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, though just like most other accidents, they are the result of negligence. When retail store staff or management fail to ensure their premises are safe for shoppers, they can become very dangerous as a result.
Retail stores have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for customers. As such, if hazards are not addressed in a timely manner, customers may sustain serious injuries as a result.
Typical Hazards That Cause Retail Store Injuries
Most accidents in retail stores occur as a result of:
- Falling merchandise from improperly stocked shelves
- Poorly placed floor mats that create a tripping hazard
- Broken glass left in aisles
- Unattended spills resulting in slippery conditions
- Clutter aisles
- Uneven flooring
- Poor lighting in the store or throughout the parking lot
- Defective escalators or elevators
How Do I Know If I Have A Valid Premises Liability Claim?
If you were injured in a retail store accident, you and your Maryland personal injury attorney will have to prove that the property owner/staff knew or should have known about the unsafe property conditions, failed to fix them in a timely manner, and that you were seriously injured and incurred significant financial damages as a result.
- Premises liability claims require the injured party to prove that the store owner or staff failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions for customers lawfully on the premises.
Key Elements of a Retail Store Premises Liability Claim
- A dangerous condition existed on the store’s property
- The store owner or employees knew about or should have discovered it through reasonable inspections
- The store failed to repair, remove, or warn customers of the dangerous conditions
- The unsafe condition directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries
- The injury directly caused financial damages
What Should I Do After a Prince George’s County Retail Store Accident?
Retail store accidents can happen suddenly and are often incredibly overwhelming for the injured party. However, if you have suffered an injury as a result of the negligence of the store’s ownership or employees, it’s important to remain as calm and collected as possible. This not only ensures you can protect your health and well-being, but also your right to file a claim against the negligent party.
Steps to Take After a Retail Store Accident
- Notify the store manager of the injuries and request an incident report
- Call the police so a formal report may be filed
- Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries, even if they seem minor
- Gather the contact information of witnesses
- Take photos and videos of the dangerous condition before it is remedied by employees
How Long Will I Have To Sue A Retail Store In Maryland?
If you are injured in a retail store in Maryland, you will have to ensure that you file your personal injury claim promptly. The statute of limitations for premises liability claims is generally three yearsin Maryland. As such, you cannot wait any longer than three years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the liable party.
However, you should note that waiting too long to file a claim can result in a permanent bar on your right to pursue compensation, even if negligence and damages are obvious and apparent.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Personal Injury Firm
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a negligent store owner, manager, or employee, it’s important to understand that you do not have to bear this burden on your own. At Timian & Fawcett, our firm understands the impact an accident in a retail store can have on your life, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
