The holidays are upon us and it really is the most wonderful time of the year! Grocery stores, shopping malls, and hotels are full of hustle and bustle as everyone prepares for the days ahead with friends and family.
At Genthe Law Firm, we just caution those running around trying to get everything done to be aware. Be aware of objects in your path, slippery spots on the floor, or uneven flooring. The last thing anyone wants is to have a slip-and-fall accident during a time of year meant to be filled with joy and thanksgiving.
Customer Awarded $1.4M in Settlement Following Injury at Local Grocery Store
Nobody goes to the grocery store expecting to get injured. However, a routine shopping trip can become dangerous when someone slips and falls on a slippery substance, causing serious injuries.
This was what happened to a customer who fell in a puddle at an Aldi store in Longview. The 64-year-old woman slipped and fell, causing her to suffer an injury. Aldi would not take responsibility for the accident. They would not pay six figures to settle the case.
Instead, the customer’s lawyer took the case to the Tyler federal district court. This was the first civil jury trial since the courts reopened after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
The woman was awarded $1.4 million by the jury. The jury awarded the victim $1,125,000 for physical impairment and pain. Aldi was assigned 100% of the responsibility.
Proving Slip-and-Fall Accidents
The property owner may be liable for your injuries when you have fallen in a store. However, you must first be able to prove some things.
You must be able to show the court that a dangerous condition on the property caused the accident. This could be as simple to prove as showing the court a photograph of the accident scene.
You must also be able to show that it was the owner’s fault, such as proof that the property owner knew about the condition but did nothing to change it. This is a key element!
You must also show that you received losses due to the injury. This is easy to prove by showing expenses relating to your injury.
Showing Negligence
Businesses that are open to the public owe us a legal obligation to maintain reasonable and safe premises free from hazards. This is their responsibility.
The business could be held liable if an injury occurs in a grocery store. Negligence stems from a property owner knowing that a dangerous condition existed, that the dangerous condition existed previously, that the store owner did not inspect the store for dangers, that there was inadequate cleanup, or that there was evidence that the substance caused the fall in some way.
You should be aware that grocery stores may try to protect themselves by bringing a variety of defenses.
Examples we often see at Genthe Law are they may say that there was no dangerous condition at the time of the injury, that they took reasonable steps to protect consumers, and that the danger did not cause the injury. Because of this, you want a personal injury attorney on your side who will help you fight for your rights to compensation.
Recoup Financial Damages for Your Pain and Suffering Today with Genthe Law Firm
If you or a loved one were recently injured in a slip and fall accident, it’s time to reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help. Hospital bills and potentially lost wages can quickly add up and put your family into debt. At Genthe Law Firm, we fight against guilty third parties and insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
