A trip to the grocery store or supermarket should be uneventful. Virtually no one runs a simple errand expecting to be involved in an accident that leaves them with potentially significant injuries.
Unfortunately, this can happen. There are various ways you may be harmed at a supermarket or grocery store that you should be aware of. Examples include the following:
Slip & Falls or Trip & Falls
A slip and fall or trip and fall accident may not be as “minor” as you think. According to the CDC, falling accidents account for a substantial number of injuries in the United States every year.
Such an accident could occur at a supermarket or grocery store for several potential reasons. For example, maybe there are items on the floor that no one has returned to their shelves. If you don’t see these items, you could trip over them. Or, maybe an employer has recently mopped a section of the floor, but has forgotten to put up a sign letting customers know it’s wet. This could easily result in a slip and fall accident.
These types of accidents can even occur in the outdoor areas of the property at a supermarket. For instance, perhaps the owners of a store failed to install adequate outdoor lighting. This may prevent you from seeing obstructions in your path while walking in the parking lot at night.
Falling Objects
Objects on the ground are not the only items that could potentially cause injury at a supermarket or grocery store. If items fall from shelves, particularly if they’re relatively heavy, they may injure anyone they strike. This is why it’s important for grocery store employees to shelve items properly and for owners to confirm their shelving is in good condition.
Snow & Ice Accidents
The owners of a supermarket have a responsibility to promote the general safety of all those on the premises. This may involve promptly responding to inclement weather.
Perhaps you’re visiting a local grocery store after a recent snowstorm. If any ice or snow has accumulated on the parking lot surface and any other outdoor surfaces guests may be walking on, ownership should apply deicing agents and shovel the snow away accordingly. You might be injured if they fail to do so.
Injured at a Supermarket? What to do Next
If you’re ever involved in an accident at a supermarket or grocery store, even if you don’t immediately notice any signs of injury, it’s still vital to report the accident to a manager. Don’t make any statements indicating the accident may have been your fault when doing so.
Next, see a doctor right away. This is critical even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. A doctor may identify signs of an injury that hasn’t caused any noticeable symptoms yet.
If a doctor confirms that you are injured, strongly consider meeting with an attorney. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich, & Fishman, our Pittsburgh slip and fall accident lawyers will review your case and determine whether you have grounds to seek financial compensation by filing a claim or lawsuit. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at 888-98-TWINS (89467).