Slip and Falls in Stores: When is the Store Liable?

Injuries resulting from slip and falls in stores are more common situations than you think, and are one of the main causes of personal injuries. However, determining the legal liability of a person or store when you initiate your claim is often difficult.

When are stores liable for slip and falls in stores?

Let’s explore together some of the possible circumstances in which stores may be liable for these types of accidents:

1. Regarding maintenance: This includes negligence in floor maintenance, creating slippery surfaces, or other dangerous conditions such as unevenness that can lead to incidents.
2. Regarding warnings: The store must be aware of the danger and do everything in its power to correct it immediately or, if this is not possible, sign and warn about the danger so that people take caution and reduce the chances of an accident.
3. Regarding staff: The staff must notify the owners and managers of any dangers they have detected to avoid negligence. In addition, the store is responsible for providing training on the proper handling of risk situations so that they are prepared.
4. Regarding external factors: The store cannot control the weather, but, for example, in the event of a storm, if it does not take measures to prevent the floor from being slippery, it may bear part of the responsibility.

As in any personal injury case, the victim must prove that the store’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident. Any evidence, even if it seems insignificant, can help your case. Take photos, make videos, and ask for contact information from witnesses who were in the store at the time.

Therefore, you must file a report of the incident, visit a doctor who will prepare a health report, and contact a specialist lawyer to evaluate your case. At J&Y Law, we are ready to help you.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.