If I Fall in a Store, Can I Sue?

When you visit a store that is open to the public, you expect to be reasonably safe and secure. Business owners have a duty to their patrons to provide a safe environment. Unfortunately, some business owners and operators are negligent in this duty. For instance, the staff members at a store may fail to clean up spills or leaks.

A lack of regular maintenance may lead to uneven or cracked flooring. Debris or electrical wires may be carelessly strewn across walkways. These types of hazardous conditions make falling accidents much more likely. If you have fallen and become injured, you may wonder about your legal options. 

Many victims think, “If I fall in a store, can I sue for damages?” Following any accident or injury, it is critical to speak with a skilled tort lawyer. In many instances, injury victims have the right to pursue a legal claim for financial compensation. The knowledgeable attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can help you decide whether an injury lawsuit is the right choice for you.

When you find yourself asking, “If I fall in a store, can I sue?”—reach out to us. Our compassionate staff will happily schedule a no-cost consultation for you. To arrange your free case evaluation, complete our convenient online form. 

Common Injuries From Falling Accidents

Slips and trips can happen in many different contexts. Most people think that falling accidents are only minor inconveniences. While some falls do not result in injuries, many do. 

Even if you do not believe you are hurt after a falling accident, it is important to speak with a medical care provider. Some types of falling accident injuries do not produce signs or symptoms until days or weeks after the incident. 

After assessing the physical damage you sustained, reach out to an attorney at Morgan and Morgan. Our accomplished team knows what it takes to fight for victims of falling accident injuries. You should not forego the financial compensation to which you are entitled.

Depending on the nature and severity of your fall, you may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:

Fractures and Broken Bones

When falling, most people’s natural reaction is to attempt to brace themselves. The force of the impact can cause bones to break. Elderly individuals are the most susceptible to this type of injury. Still, anyone can suffer a broken bone from a slip or trip accident. 

Broken hips are common when someone slips and falls backward. These injuries are particularly serious because they give rise to many potential medical complications.

 Other common bone breaks from falling accidents include:

• Arm and wrist bones
• Elbows
• Lower leg bones
• Ribs
• Shoulder and collarbones

A severe fracture will result in significant medical expenses for the victim. Many of these injuries also require long-term recovery periods. 

Back and Spinal Injuries

Depending on how the victim lands, back and spinal injuries may be likely. Some examples of spinal injuries are:

• Fractured or broken spinal vertebrae
• Herniated or slipped spinal discs
• Pinched nerves in the back

These types of injuries often result in severe pain. Falling accident victims may also experience limited mobility, depending on the nature of the injuries.

Spinal cord injuries are categorized as either “incomplete” or “complete.” This categorization is determined by the extent and location of the physical damage.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

When someone slips or trips, they risk having their head collide with the hard floor, which may result in a traumatic brain injury. Even a minor bump on the head can cause damage to the soft tissue of the brain. The least severe version of traumatic brain damage is known as a “concussion.” 

These injuries require immediate medical attention. More severe TBIs can cause severe medical issues and be life-threatening. Other types of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Diffuse axonal injuries
• Coup-contrecoup injuries
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intraventricular hemorrhage
• Subdural or epidural hematoma

 The medical implications of these injuries are typically severe. Some common signs and symptoms of TBI include: 

• Persistent headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness and inability to balance
• Difficulty sleeping or waking
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Nausea or vomiting

If you experience any of these conditions after a head injury, you should seek medical care. A trained physician will provide you with a diagnosis following a head injury and document your symptoms.

Lacerations, Cuts, and Bruising

Lacerations and severe cuts often occur as a result of falling accidents. In some cases, victims land on sharp debris or broken glass. Even if no sharp objects are present, the falling accident victim may become bruised after landing on a hard surface.

Deep cuts can result in significant bleeding and the need for stitches or sutures. These necessary medical treatments may cause the victim to sustain permanent scarring. However, the negative outcomes of lacerations and cuts are not only cosmetic. If they are severe, cuts can result in soft tissue and nerve damage.

Victims do not deserve to be held responsible for the costs and losses associated with their falling accidents. When you are wondering, “If I fall in a store, can I sue?” reach out to the team at Morgan & Morgan.