Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at the Grocery Store
Many people go to the grocery store once or twice a week to purchase various foods. They probably never expect to get injured while they are shopping. Unfortunately, however, people can suffer slip and fall accidents if grocery store owners and managers fail to provide a safe environment. Here are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents at the grocery store.
Liquid and Food Spills
Whether it’s pasta sauce or milk, liquid and food spills are bound to happen at grocery stores. Customers may accidentally knock items off shelves or drop their beverages. Unfortunately, however, if these spills aren’t cleaned up promptly, people can walk over them and have slip and fall accidents.
Wet Floors
It’s of course necessary for grocery store staff to mop the floor regularly to keep them clean. However, very wet floors can cause a tripping hazard. If customers don’t realize that they are walking over wet floors, they can slip and fall. That’s why grocers must place warning signs if the floors are wet.
Flooring Issues
Flooring issues can also result in slip and fall accidents at grocery stores. For instance, if a carpet is torn or a tile is missing, customers are in danger of slipping and falling. Rugs that don’t lie flat on the floor can also create a tripping hazard. Grocery store owners and managers have a duty to repair flooring issues promptly to prevent these accidents.
Slippery Entrances
On rainy days, people can drag in water as they walk into grocery stores. This can create a slippery surface, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents. An effective way to prevent slip and fall accidents at entrances is to place floor mats.
What to Do If You Were Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident at a Grocery Store
If you sustained an injury after slipping and falling at a grocery store, you should first report the accident to the store owner or manager. He or she can then file an accident report with the insurance company.
Next, seek medical care, even if you don’t feel too badly hurt. Some injuries may not present symptoms right away. Getting evaluated by a doctor is critical for your health and your injury claim against the grocery store.
Since slip and fall accident claims can be complex, it is a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer, like one from Presser Law, P.A. A lawyer can help you pursue a timely claim against the grocery store and protect your legal rights.