Protecting Your Rights And Securing Compensation After An Arizona Retail Store Injury

Every year, countless customers suffer from slips, falls and other preventable accidents in retail stores. These incidents can lead to serious injuries that affect your health, your finances and your future. Pursuing compensation from a business owner and their insurance company can be an uphill battle. You deserve a seasoned ally like the attorneys at AZ Premises Law.

Established in 1987, we have become leaders in addressing premises liability accidents across Arizona. Our award-winning lawyers bring many decades of experience to the table. Because we focus on this area of personal injury law, our lawyers have a depth and breadth of knowledge that few other firms offer. Our trial attorneys also have a proven track record of success in litigating complex, high-stakes premises liability cases against powerful opponents like retail stores. When you work with us, you will see that we are deeply committed to fighting for the results you deserve.

Introduction To Retail Store Injuries

Retail store injuries encompass a range of accidents that occur within a shopping environment, whether a small mom-and-pop establishment or a big box store. These injuries often result from hazards that are the responsibility of the business. When innocent customers end up paying the price for dangerous retail store conditions, they are entitled to compensation for their expenses and suffering.

Common Causes Of Retail Store Injuries

Retail environments can be hazardous if not properly maintained. Some common causes of injuries in these settings include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, unmarked floor transitions, dips or holes in the floor, poorly maintained stairways, and missing or broken handrails can all lead to severe falls.
• Falling merchandise: Improperly stocked shelves can cause items to fall, posing a risk to shoppers.
• Defective equipment: Broken or malfunctioning store fixtures – such as automatic sliding doors, broken shopping carts and faulty escalators – can cause significant harm to customers.
• Poor lighting and signage: Inadequate lighting or unclear signs can result in trips and falls.
• Negligent security: Lack of adequate lighting in store parking lots can create hotbeds for violent crimes such as muggings.
• Sidewalk and parking lot hazards: Poorly maintained sidewalks and parking lots are another common cause of accidents.

These are just a few of the many potential causes of retail store injuries.

Understanding Premises Liability In Retail Settings

Premises liability is a legal concept based on property owners’ responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. In retail settings, this responsibility is paramount, as a large influx of customers increases the potential for accidents. Store owners must adhere to certain standards of care to prevent injuries. They can be liable if their negligence leads to an accident.

What Constitutes Negligence In A Retail Setting?

Negligence in a retail setting occurs when store owners or operators fail to uphold the duty of care they owe to their customers. Store negligence could be due to failing to clean up spills in a timely manner, not securing merchandise properly or ignoring necessary repairs on the property. Demonstrating negligence is the crux of a successful premises liability claim, and understanding the specifics can be complex. Our firm is here to help clarify these details and advocate on your behalf.

What Should You Do If You’re Injured In A Store?

If you suffer an injury in a retail store, it is important to:

1. Report the accident to store management immediately. This creates a record of the incident, which is important for legal reasons. Store managers are also responsible for addressing any hazards to prevent further accidents.
2. Document the scene and your injuries with photos or videos. This documentation can help demonstrate the conditions that led to your injury and the extent of your injuries. It can also serve as valuable evidence by providing visual support for your claim.
3. Collect contact information from witnesses. If there were people around who saw what happened, their accounts could support your version of events. Having the contact information of witnesses allows your attorney to reach out to them for statements, which can strengthen your case.
4. Seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if the injury seems minor, it is important to have a medical professional evaluate you. Some injuries might not show immediate symptoms. A medical report will also serve as an important piece of evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
5. Contact a premises liability attorney to discuss your legal options. Our lawyers can offer you legal advice based on the specifics of your case. They can help you understand your rights and the potential for compensation. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and guide you through the legal process.

Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your case should you decide to pursue a claim for your injuries.

Let’s Discuss Your Retail Store Injury Claim

Don’t wait to get legal help after a retail store injury. At AZ Premises Law, we provide support and understanding every step of the way. Our lawyers will take the time to listen to you, educate you about your options and shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today at 602-536-5183 for a free consultation.