Gas stations are some of the most visited establishments across the country. These establishments provide a convenient way to fuel vehicles and shop for basic supplies. Unfortunately, some gas stations are injury magnets, and some of these injuries derive from negligence. If you or your loved one has been injured in such an environment, an experienced gas station injuries lawyer from Morgan & Morgan might be able to help you secure the compensation you need and deserve. All you have to do is fill out our free case evaluation form.
Common Gas Station Injuries Across the United States
Some of the most common gas station injuries include:
Slip and Falls
Slips and falls are the most common accidents at gas stations across the US. These accidents occur due to various reasons, including:
- Potholes
- Gas or oil spills near pumps
- Debris
- Spilled liquids or foods
- Wet floors in bathrooms
Gas stations are required to put up measures to prevent such accidents. For example, it is possible to prevent slip and fall incidents caused by wet floors by hiring extra cleaning staff to keep the floor clean and dry at all times. And when the floor is wet for reasons such as routine cleaning, the gas station management should set up clear signs warning customers of the slippery floor.
The same applies to debris, potholes, and other dangerous conditions that could increase the risk of slips and falls at a gas station. The management should closely monitor these dangerous conditions and get rid of them immediately or warn customers.
Burns
Gas stations are required to provide safety measures to protect their customers from the risk of fires. And since these establishments deal with fuel, you expect them to be at the top of their game regarding providing fire protection and safety. From installing fire extinguishers to inspecting fuel pumps for leaks, the list of safety precautions these establishments must adhere to is broad. Any negligence in such an environment is enough to claim lives and destroy property.
To put things into perspective, in 2018, there were at least 4,300 gas station fires across the United States, the highest since 2008. According to the study, a larger percentage of these fires were caused by the faulty electrical distribution of lighting equipment, a form of negligence.
Inhaling Toxic Fumes
Carbon Monoxide and other toxic fumes are quite common in gas stations. You may be exposed to these toxic fumes if you visit a gas station that lacks proper ventilation. Consequently, you may develop respiratory complications.
Assaults
Not everyone who visits a gas station plans on pumping gas or buying something from the store and walking away peacefully. On the contrary, thousands of people lose their lives at gas stations every year through failed robberies, while others suffer serious injuries from fights at these establishments.
If the gas station has a history of attracting such incidents, you expect the management to do something about it, preferably beefing up security. But some gas stations consider additional security an unnecessary expense, putting the lives of their customers at risk. This is a form of negligence.
Car Accidents
Vehicle accidents at gas stations can lead to severe injuries and even death. If the gas station management knew or should have known about a dangerous condition that would have increased the risk of such accidents but failed to do anything about it, they might be liable for injuries sustained.