When you think about shopping malls, you likely don’t consider their dangers regarding slip-and-fall accidents. However, these shopping centers are a hotspot for unexpected injuries. When the appropriate parties fail to take the necessary steps to ensure their property is a safe environment for their guests, they can be held liable if anyone is injured due to their negligence. Therefore, you may be entitled to significant compensation if injured in a shopping mall. Please continue reading to learn the steps you should take after sustaining an injury in a shopping mall and how a proficient Bronx Premises Liability Lawyer can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
What Are the Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Shopping Malls?
When shopping malls are inadequately maintained, they pose a severe risk to customers. Shopping malls must be regularly maintained to ensure a safe environment for patrons. Property owners must remedy hazardous conditions promptly to prevent accidents and injuries. If a property owner fails to take the necessary action to mitigate the risk of harm and someone is injured, they can be held liable for their negligence. The following include but are not limited to some of the common reasons for slip and fall accidents in shopping malls:
- Overcrowded walkways
- Slippery floors
- Faulty escalators and elevators
- Broken or missing handrails
- Inadequate warning signage in hazardous areas
- Inadequate security
- Poorly lit parking lots
- Potholes and uneven pavement in parking lots
- Cluttered store aisles
- Weather-related hazards left unaddressed
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Shopping Mall?
If you’ve been injured in a shopping mall, the first step you should take is to seek immediate medical attention. It’s essential to have a thorough medical examination to ensure you are in a safe and stable condition. If you have been injured within a specific retail store, you must notify the store manager and file a store incident report. If the accident happened outside a retail store, you must report the incident to the appropriate mall management. This will ensure the incident is documented and provide crucial details for a legal claim. It will also ensure that the hazardous conditions that caused your accident are addressed to prevent another individual from being harmed.
From here, it’s crucial to gather as much evidence as possible. If you can, try to take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. In addition, if there are any witnesses, make sure you collect their contact information, as they may be able to corroborate your claim later on. However, the most critical step after sustaining an injury in a shopping mall is to enlist the help of an experienced Bronx premises liability lawyer who can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
At James Newman, P.C., we are prepared to help you navigate the claims process and fight to attain the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today to discuss your case.
