Falling Merchandise Injury Lawyer
Warehouse stores are popular, offering lower prices by saving on overhead by storing merchandise on-site versus a separate warehouse. While the prices may be alluring, there may be dangers lurking. Merchandise that is stacked and stored on high shelving poses a risk for shoppers if it falls. If you or a family member were seriously injured due to falling merchandise at a local Florida store, it may be possible to receive compensation for your injuries.
Even paper towels can be dangerous when an entire pallet slips off a high shelf onto a customer. If the pallet is not properly secured or the shelving collapses, merchandise can come tumbling down on unsuspecting consumers. Retail store owners and their management have a responsibility to keep everyone in the store safe from injury. If negligence on the part of the store staff causes merchandise to crash down on a customer, the retail establishment is most likely liable for any injuries that occur.
Types of Falling Merchandise Accidents
Falling merchandise accidents pose significant risks to customers in various retail environments beyond large warehouse stores. Virtually any establishment that houses products on-site, including grocery stores, malls and convenience stores, can become the site of such accidents, resulting in serious injuries due to unsafe merchandise practices and inadequate safety measures. Common scenarios of falling merchandise accidents include:
- Toppling stacks of products: Poorly stacked or unstable merchandise piles can collapse unexpectedly, posing hazards to unsuspecting customers nearby.
- Fallen merchandise creating trip/fall hazards: Items falling onto walkways or aisles can create obstacles and trip/fall hazards for patrons navigating the store.
- Shelves failing under excessive weight: Overloaded shelves or inadequate shelving structures may buckle or collapse under the weight of the merchandise, leading to injuries.
- Unbalanced shelves tipping over: Imbalanced or improperly secured shelves may tilt or tip over, causing merchandise to spill onto the floor and endanger customers.
- Merchandise falling due to lack of restraints: Failure to secure merchandise properly with safety restraints or barriers can result in items falling and causing harm to customers or employees.
In most cases, falling merchandise injuries fall under the purview of premises liability laws, holding store owners accountable for maintaining safe environments for their patrons. As such, store owners are generally liable for injuries resulting from falling merchandise accidents and may be required to compensate victims for various damages incurred. Compensation for falling merchandise injuries may include:
- Medical Costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care necessitated by the injuries sustained.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the victim’s inability to work during recovery or as a result of long-term disability caused by the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish and diminished quality of life experienced by the victim due to the incident.
- Other Damages: Additional damages may encompass property damage, loss of consortium and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the store owner.
Falling merchandise accidents underscore the importance of implementing robust safety protocols, regular inspections, and proper merchandise management practices in retail establishments to mitigate risks and protect the well-being of customers and employees. By upholding their duty of care and promptly addressing hazardous conditions, store owners can help prevent accidents and create safer shopping environments for everyone. Effective legal representation can assist victims of falling merchandise accidents in asserting their rights, navigating the legal process, and seeking fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
However, to receive the maximum payout, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. Contact Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law, and schedule a free consultation if you or a family member were seriously injured in a falling merchandise accident.