The last thing you expect is to suffer a slip-and-fall accident at a New York supermarket. Sadly, these situations occur more often than you might think. This is what happens if you suffer injuries while at a grocery store and what steps to take.
Understanding slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents at supermarkets are common and can result in serious injuries. Although some accidents might just result in minor bruising, others can be far more severe. Depending on factors such as age or how they fall, a person can suffer sprains or strains, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.
After a slip-and-fall, it’s wise to speak with the store manager or owner to report the accident. If possible, getting photos of the scene is good documentation. Seeking medical attention after a slip-and-fall is also crucial because it allows the person to get a diagnosis, treatment and evidence if they file a lawsuit.
Proving liability for a slip-and-fall
A slip-and-fall accident at a supermarket or other property falls under the category of premises liability. This means that the property owner has a duty to prevent such a situation from happening by keeping it in a reasonably safe condition. Liability in slip-and-fall accidents can be proven by showing that certain elements were in place. The first is that there was a dangerous condition such as a wet, slippery or sticky floor.
The second element is that the owner, manager or employees were aware of the dangerous condition. The third is that the owner or other party failed to take reasonable steps to address the dangerous condition to prevent a potential slip-and-fall accident that caused the victim’s injuries.
Liability can be proven even if someone experiences a slip-and-fall outside the supermarket. If the weather is bad, the sidewalk is uneven or the lighting is poor, the property owner is still responsible for correcting the issue to prevent accidents.