7 Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores

 Posted on July 25, 2023 in Personal Injury

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but retail stores are particularly prone to these types of incidents. Whether it is a grocery store, clothing boutique, or department store, the potential for slip and fall accidents is a constant concern. In fact, these incidents are among the leading causes of injuries in retail stores. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help injury victims understand who may be held liable for the damages they have suffered.

Wet or Slippery Floors

Many slip and fall accidents in retail stores occur because of slippery surfaces. Floors may become slick due to spills, leaks, inadequate floor mats, or freshly mopped surfaces. When floors are wet or slippery, customers can easily lose their footing and fall, resulting in injuries such as broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.

Uneven Surfaces

Irregular surfaces can create tripping hazards. Cracked or broken tiles, loose floorboards, or uneven carpeting may increase the risks of fall injuries. When customers encounter these uneven surfaces, they may trip and fall, leading to bodily harm when they land on hard surfaces. Retail store owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises and ensure that all surfaces are safe for customers to walk on.

Cluttered Aisles

Obstacles in walkways can also contribute to fall accidents in retail stores. When merchandise is not properly organized or displayed, it can create hazards in aisles or other areas of a store. Additionally, if boxes or other items are left in the aisles, customers may not see them, and they can easily trip and fall.

Inadequate Lighting

Poor lighting can make it difficult for customers to see potential hazards in retail stores, increasing the risk of fall accidents. Dimly lit areas, burned-out light bulbs, or inadequate lighting in parking lots can all contribute to accidents. Retail store owners should ensure that their premises are well-lit to minimize the risk of accidents.

Lack of Warning Signs

When there are potential hazards in a retail store, such as wet floors or areas under construction, it is important for store owners to provide warning signs to alert customers. Failure to place warning signs can increase the risk of fall accidents. Customers may not be aware of the potential dangers, and they can easily slip on wet surfaces or trip and fall over hazards in walkways.

Negligent Maintenance

Failure to properly maintain the premises can contribute to fall accidents in retail stores. This can include neglecting to repair broken handrails, ignoring leaks that cause wet floors, or failing to fix uneven surfaces. Negligent maintenance can create hazardous conditions that put customers at risk of injury.

Lack of Employee Training

Proper training of a store’s staff members is crucial in preventing slip and fall accidents. Employees should be trained to promptly clean up spills, place warning signs on wet floors, avoid causing tripping hazards, and maintain a safe environment for customers. Without proper training, employees may not be aware of the potential hazards or how to address them, increasing the risk of accidents.

Contact an Experienced DuPage County Slip and Fall Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in a retail store, it is important to seek legal representation. The experienced Lombard premises liability lawyers at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation from a store owner or other liable parties. Contact us today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation. We are here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.