Department store accidents in Florida are often the result of unsafe property conditions, negligent maintenance, falling merchandise, or inadequate security. Those injured in a department store due to negligence may be entitled to compensation for damages, including lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical bills, and emotional damages. Read on to learn more about department store accidents in Florida.

How Do Department Store Accidents Happen in Florida?

Department stores can keep shoppers entertained for hours. In fact, many of us could spend a whole day browsing the aisles, trying on clothes, and smelling different perfumes. But, department stores can be more dangerous than you may realize. Department store accidents are common, and when they occur, their results can be severe.

Department store accidents can happen in a number of ways.

Common Types of Department Store Accidents in Florida

  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Trip and fall accidents
  • Dressing room accidents
  • Shopping cart accidents
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Inadequate security incidents
  • Falling merchandise from improperly stocked shelves
  • Elevator or escalator accidents
  • Falling displays or fixtures
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Unsafe bathrooms

What Causes Most Bay County Department Store Injuries?

Many department store injuries occur as a result of:

  • Spills left uncleaned
  • Unsafe walkways and aisles
  • Falling displays or merchandise
  • Inadequate security
  • Improper lighting in parking lots
  • Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
  • Failure to warn customers about hazards

Can I Recover Compensation for a Department Store Accident in Florida?

In Florida, property owners owe patrons a duty of care. This means that they must keep the premises maintained for shoppers at all times. This can be done by conducting routine inspections to ensure everything is in order and any issues can be fixed right away.

If these inspections are not done, or a hazard arises and is not fixed in time, serious accidents can occur.

If you are injured in a department store accident and you can prove that the store owner/employees were aware of the hazard that caused your accident, or that they should have been reasonably aware of it, you may be able to recover compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Department stores in Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, and throughout Bay County can face liability if management knew or reasonably should have known about dangerous conditions on the premises and failed to address or warn those lawfully on the premises about the hazard. These accidents often occur in heavily trafficked retail areas, shopping plazas, malls, and outlet centers.

Potential Compensation Available Following a Department Store Accident

Injured victims in a Bay County department store may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation or physical therapy
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

When Can a Store Face Liability?

A department store may face liability for injuries when:

  • Store management or employees knew of the dangerous condition
  • The hazard existed long enough that the employees reasonably should have discovered it
  • The store failed to adequately inspect the premises
  • Customers were not warned about the unsafe conditions
  • Negligent or inadequate security contributed to the accident

What Steps Should I Take After a Panama City Department Store Accident?

In the event you sustain injuries as a result of negligence by department store ownership or staff, taking immediate action is critical to protect both your health and well-being and your ability to file a claim.

Important Steps to Take After a Department Store Injury

If you are injured in a Panama City department store accident, you should:

  • Report the incident to store management
  • Request that an incident report be filed and obtain a copy before leaving
  • Call 911 to request emergency medical attention if necessary
  • Document the hazardous condition and the surrounding area, including lighting and warning signs
  • Document the names and contact information of witnesses
  • Do not provide recorded statements to insurers without first obtaining legal advice

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Department Store Accident Claim

  • Surveillance footage
  • Maintenance logs and inspection records
  • Cleaning logs
  • Witness statements
  • Photos and videos
  • Medical records
  • Store incident reports

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

If you wish to take legal action for a department store injury, you will have to do so within a certain amount of time.

This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failure to file a claim within this timeframe can result in being barred from pursuing the compensation you deserve.

This may seem like a long time, but when you are recovering from a serious injury, it is easy to let deadlines slip by. Reach out to a skilled Panama City personal injury attorney to avoid losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Bay County Injury Firm

Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.