Due to the volume of visitors and pedestrian traffic in shopping malls, it’s not uncommon for individuals to sustain serious injuries. When shopping centers and the retail stores within them are inadequately maintained, slip-and-fall accidents are more likely to occur. Property owners are responsible for keeping a safe environment for patrons. If they fail to remedy hazardous conditions and someone gets injured, they can be held liable for their negligence. However, many accident victims make mistakes in the immediate aftermath of the accident that hinder their ability to recover compensation for their damages. It’s crucial to know what steps to take to safeguard your rights. Please continue reading to learn what you should do after a slip and fall injury in a shopping mall and how a talented Santa Clara County Slip and Fall Accident Attorney can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Injuries in Shopping Malls in California?
Property owners must maintain safe premises for their guests. If there are any hazards on the property, they must remedy them promptly or inform the public to prevent accidents and injuries. When the appropriate parties fail to uphold their legal duty of care, they can be held liable for their negligence. The following include but are not limited to some of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries in shopping malls:
- Slippery floors and torn carpeting
- Escalator and elevator malfunctions
- Potholes and cracks in pavements in parking lots
- Broken steps and missing handrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Inadequate security
- Electrical cords
- Inclement weather conditions hazards
What Steps Should I Take if I’m Injured in a Shopping Mall?
If you have sustained an injury in a shopping mall, taking the necessary steps to protect your rights is important. As mentioned above, many shopping mall accidents are caused by unsafe conditions that the owners or managers neglected to repair or post adequate warnings. The store owner or mall management may try to contend that the slip and fall accident was your fault. Therefore, you must be prepared to prove your claim.
The first step you should take is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, having them thoroughly examined is crucial to ensure you receive proper treatment. From here, you should report the accident to the store owner, mall management, or security. Ask for a copy of the accident report containing critical details for your legal claim. It’s also beneficial to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking pictures of the hazardous conditions that caused the accident and your injuries and gathering contact information from witnesses.
Nevertheless, the most critical step you should take is to enlist the help of an experienced Santa Clara slip-and-fall accident attorney from the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady, who can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
