The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is famous for having the big discounts retailers offer. Shoppers can purchase otherwise costly or hard-to-find items.
Black Friday is also infamous for injuries people incur. Shoppers, excited at the prospect of a bargain, visit stores in great numbers. Crowd control and maintaining safety standards becomes a challenge for store staff. In extreme instances, people are killed during the chaos, but slip and fall injuries are more typical.
A way to avoid risking in-store injuries on Black Friday is to shop at home. Cyber Monday takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving, where online stores offer their own massive discounts. Cyber Black Friday takes place on the same day as in-person Black Friday and also offers items at low prices. By making purchases at home, one is able to bypass crowds, poor weather, and other situations which may cause slip and fall injuries.
What Are Common Causes of Black Friday Trip and Falls?
Depending on the weather, rain, snow, or ice may accumulate in the parking lots or sidewalks on store property, creating slippery spots. People may track moisture from outside into the store, creating puddles. Spills are another cause of falls. During Black Friday’s hectic environment, employees may have trouble finding time to clean between their other duties. Newly mopped floors, however, are also dangerous.
In their rush to find desired items, other shoppers may leave boxes and other debris on the floor. Poor lighting, uneven flooring, and broken equipment can also lead to falls. The frantic nature of Black Friday makes keeping order difficult for staff. However, stores are still responsible for maintaining a safe environment for shoppers.
What Is Premises Liability?
A property owner is responsible for ensuring the location is safe, with low chance of people getting injured. This is known as premises liability. Exact rules vary by state and circumstance. For shoppers visiting a store, people in charge of the premises should foresee what may cause an accident or injury and correct the situation or warn visitors of the dangerous condition. Shoppers should also practice reasonable care while on store property.
If you are injured due to the negligence of a property owner, you should speak with a lawyer to explore your legal options. The property owner may be liable for your accident and injury.
Mount Holly Slip and Fall Lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Represents Those Injured in Black Friday Trip and Falls
Shopping should be a safe event, even on Black Friday. However, some property owners do not reasonably maintain their premises, leading to slip and falls. If you become injured in a Black Friday trip and fall, speak with our Mount Holly slip and fall lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 856-751-2345 or contact us online. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.