Unfortunately, department store accidents are incredibly common. These accidents become even more prevalent as the holiday season approaches and customers rush to complete their last-minute shopping. Read on to learn more about department store accidents in New Jersey and what to do in the event of an injury.
How do department store accidents occur?
Department store accidents can occur for any number of reasons, including:
- Spills
- Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
- Merchandise falling from shelves
- Obstructions in aisles
- Jagged shelves or showcases
Providing proof of negligence:
When it comes to department stores, staff members are responsible for conducting routine inspections. These inspections ensure that there are no hazards to customers, and any hazards that are found are rectified immediately. Failing to conduct these inspections or alleviate hazards in time can result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in a department store, you will have to prove that your accident was a result of negligence. This means proving that store owners/employees knew about the hazard that caused your accident to occur and did not address it in time, or that they should have reasonably known about the hazard.
In order to obtain this proof, it is important to:
- Alert the manager as soon as an injury occurs
- This will allow the manager to file an accident report. If possible, obtain a copy of this report.
- Call 911
- The police can send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, interview witnesses, and more.
- Document the scene
- While you wait for the ambulance to arrive, it is important to document the scene. If possible, take pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur.
- Obtain witness contacts
- Department stores are often crowded, which means someone may have seen your accident occur. If this is the case, be sure to ask for their name and contact information, as they may be able to provide important witness testimony.
- Seek medical attention
- It is important to seek medical attention, even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. This is because it is possible to sustain a serious injury without realizing it. Additionally, this can provide you with important proof of the origin and extent of your injuries.
If you have been injured in a department store accident, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney.
Contact our Firm
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome because we believe false accusations or preventable injuries should never cause a person harm. This is why those who require experienced legal counsel in New Jersey should do themselves a favor and contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.