Slip and Fall Accidents in Shopping Malls

Going for shopping in the holiday season is an activity everyone is eager about and looks forward to. Some people make plans with their loved ones to travel to the other side of the town to shop at an exclusive shopping center. Whether you are window shopping or purchasing a dress/suit from your favorite brand’s shop in a mall, you expect the premises to be free from any hazards.

Unfortunately, due to increased number of shoppers swarming shopping malls and mega stores, the safety is often compromised, leading to slip and fall accidents and causing mild and fatal injuries. Such establishments have a duty of care towards the visitors, customers, and shoppers and should make sure that the premises are safe. However, if you are injured due to a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to receive a compensation for your damages.

Common Slip and Fall Accidents in Shopping Malls

Whether you are shopping at an open-air or enclosed mall, there are certain risks that you may be exposed to during the holiday season, such as:

• Cracked tiles, unmarked torn carpeting, or a damaged stair or ramp
• Spilled food and drinks in and around the food court
• Slippery floor at the entrance due to snow and ice carried by incoming visitors
• Slick interior surfaces, including wet floors
• Poor lighting that makes it difficult to spot a hazardous condition
• Malfunctioning escalators
• Items and products fallen between the aisle or on the floor, partially blocking the pathway
• Ice and snow that has not been cleared
• Distractions
• Debris from tree roots, stones, or rocks around the perimeter and parking lot
• Cracked sidewalks and asphalt

Some hazards can cause serious injuries as well. According to a report, one of the major contributing factors for slip and fall injuries is spilled liquid or food. This can be a result of inadequate maintenance as well as the lack of cleaning staff in shopping malls.

Responsibilities of Shopping Mall Towards its Visitors

The management team of shopping malls has the duty to control hazardous situations and make sure that their premises are reasonably safe for everyone. Generally, shopping malls make a contract with tradespersons, trolley collection services, cleaners, and other third parties to maintain the premises and ensure that the environment is safe for visitors.

The following are the responsibilities of shopping mall management towards the customers:

• Placing warning signs or roping areas that are under maintenance or around new constructions, while complying with safety regulations
• Keeping floors clean, dry, and free of spills, food, and other hazards round the clock, not just after the mall has been closed
• Fixing hazardous problems with floors, sidewalks, and stairways, in a timely manner
• Making sure display units are secured and shelves are stacked properly
• Ensuring proper lighting outside, inside, and in parking areas of the mall

If a shopping center breaches the standard duty of care that it owes to customers, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries caused as a result of a slip and fall accident. In such a case, it is recommended to retain the legal services of a reliable and knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can establish a solid case to prove your claim. Contact us at (847) 395-2200 or online today to schedule your initial consultation