From just browsing to finding the perfect gift for a loved one, shopping is a fun activity for most people in Tennessee. But did you also know that it can be dangerous? Shopping injuries are more frequent than you probably think, and you and your loved ones are probably at risk.
Shopping injuries stem from a wide range of accidents. Although many of these accidents involve a store owner’s negligence, this is not necessarily always the case. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to potential risks at the store.
Slip-and-fall accidents are common
These accidents can be particularly dangerous because they may catch victims off guard who do not have sufficient time to take defensive actions. Although commonly involving wet or slippery floors, you can also fall and suffer an injury because of torn carpets, poor lighting, escalator malfunctions and much more.
Slip-and-fall injuries can be minor sometimes, but they are often severe. Consider these common injuries:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones and sprains
- Neck or spinal injuries
- Death
Hidden shopping dangers
Store interiors change frequently, with employees stocking and displaying new merchandise on what seems like a daily basis. When workers improperly stock merchandise or store owners put highly coveted items out of reach, injuries from falling objects can occur.
Improperly designed or poorly maintained parking lots are also frequent sites of injury. This could involve a person tripping on loose pavement or falling on pavement covered in ice or snow. Injuries from tipped over shopping carts can also occur.
Don’t expect business owners to protect you
Store owners are responsible for providing safe shopping experiences for their customers. This includes quickly fixing problems and providing adequate warnings when addressing the issue is not possible. When owners fail to either fix the issue or put up signs warning customers of the danger, then they are generally responsible for any injuries that happen as a result of their negligence.
You probably never expected to be one of the thousands of people who suffer shopping injuries every year. Now that you are in the middle of this situation, you probably feel worried about the financial implications. How will you pay for your medical bills? Can you afford to take time off for your recovery? If you have these concerns, a Tennessee attorney can help explain your options for pursuing necessary compensation.