Chain Store Slip-and-Fall Liability in Florida
Sometimes, people slip-and-fall by sheer chance. At other times, however, slipping and falling is caused by negligence on the part of commercial property owners. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in a chain store that was the result of negligence on the store’s part, you could be facing very serious losses. Our experienced slip-and-fall accident attorneys at Matthews Injury Law in Tampa, FL, are well prepared to help.
Setting the Stage for Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Chain stores tend to have clear policies regarding how their stores are set up and operated. Factors like the following, however, can increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents:
- Large crowds
- Understaffing
- Inexperienced staff members or staff members who aren’t well-trained
- Ineffective management or management that is spread too thin
Ultimately, commercial entities have a responsibility to all their guests, including protecting them from unreasonable risks that can lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
No two slip-and-fall accident claims are alike, but issues like the following cause many:
- Poorly or awkwardly positioned displays that pose a tripping hazard
- Crowded aisles
- Spills
- Uneven transitions from space to space
- Inadequate lighting
- Improperly functioning escalators or elevators
- Poorly maintained stairways
- Dangerously worn floor coverings
- Overly slippery flooring, such as improperly treated vinyl
- Moisture and slippery debris that’s dragged in from outside
If the store manager knew about or reasonably should have known about the risk factor that caused your injury, the chain store can be held legally liable.
The Standard of Care You’re Owed
Chain stores are not held to the same standards of perfection when it comes to preventing slip-and-fall accidents. Instead, the standard of care that you’re owed amounts to the store manager implementing the same level of care that other store managers do under similar circumstances.
Proving Liability
Claims for slip-and-fall accidents in chain stores must be backed up with evidence that proves the manager’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident that left you injured. The kind of evidence that can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim includes all the following:
- Footage from store security cameras
- The accident report generated by the store
- The testimony of those who saw the accident happen
- Any footage captured of the accident in progress, of the slipping hazard, or of both, by onlookers with phones
Turn to Our Experienced Tampa Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyers for the Help You Need
slip-and-fall accident claims are legally challenging, but seeking the compensation you deserve is important. Our seasoned Tampa slip-and-fall accident attorneys at Matthews Injury Law welcome the opportunity to advocate for a favorable claim resolution on your behalf fiercely. Learn more by contacting us online or by calling 813-530-1000 today.