Slip & Fall Accidents at Big Box Stores: What You Need to Know
By Lawrence Kalikhman
Have you ever wondered what your rights are if you experience a slip and fall accident at a big box store like Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, or Lowe’s? Big box store slip and falls are not just painful and embarrassing; they can lead to serious injuries and significant financial burdens. Thankfully, if you’re injured in a slip and fall accident in a big box store, you can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
At Kalikhman & Rayz, we understand the challenges of slip and fall cases in big box stores. Our award-winning Philadelphia personal injury attorneys know the laws and regulations governing big box store slip and fall accidents. We pride ourselves on providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation to each of our clients. Our goal is to make sure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Happens if Something Falls on Me in a Store?
In big box stores, items falling from shelves is a common hazard. If you’re injured by a falling object, the store may be liable for your injuries. The key here is to establish that the store was negligent – perhaps the items were not properly secured, or the shelves were overloaded.
Under Pennsylvania law, the premises liability doctrine holds property owners and managers responsible for ensuring their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. According to this doctrine, if a store, like a big box retailer, fails to keep its premises safe – for instance, by neglecting to properly secure items on shelves or overloading them – it may be considered negligent. This negligence is a key factor in determining liability in your case. If you’re injured because a store failed to meet its duty of care, you may have a valid claim for damages.
What Do You Do if You Slip and Fall at Walmart?
If you experience a slip and fall at a store like Walmart, taking immediate and appropriate steps is necessary not only for your health but also for any potential legal claim. The very first action you should take is to seek medical attention. Whether it’s a minor slip or something that feels more severe, having a medical professional evaluate you is advised. Sometimes, injuries that seem minor initially can become more serious over time. Plus, medical records serve as evidence in documenting the extent and nature of your injuries.
After addressing your immediate health concerns, document the incident. This means taking clear and detailed photographs of the exact location where the slip and fall occurred. Capture any conditions that may have contributed to the accident, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or lack of warning signs. These photos can provide valuable evidence when establishing the store’s liability. Gathering contact information from witnesses is another step. If anyone saw what happened, their account of the event could support your claim. Witness statements can corroborate your version of the events and provide an objective perspective on the incident.
Reporting the incident to the store manager is also a necessary step. This report officially records the incident in the store’s records. Be sure to give an accurate account of what happened, but avoid making speculative statements or accepting any blame. Request a copy of the accident report, if possible, as it could be useful for your records and any future legal action. At this point, it’s wise to contact our
Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers. Slip and fall claims can be challenging, especially when dealing with large corporations like Walmart. Our legal team can provide valuable assistance in several ways. First, we can help you understand your rights and the potential avenues for compensation. We are experienced in dealing with big box store claims and are familiar with their tactics and procedures.
Filing a claim involves submitting the necessary paperwork and understanding personal injury law. Our lawyers can guide you through this process, ensuring all necessary details are accurately and effectively presented. We can also handle communications with Walmart’s insurance company, as these companies often have their own interests in mind. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, and without proper legal representation, you might end up settling for less than you deserve. Our firm is skilled in negotiation and will work to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages related to your accident.
"The outcome of a case often comes down to preparation. We build every claim as if it may go to trial."
What is the Largest Slip and Fall Settlement?
Slip and fall cases can result in significant settlements, with amounts varying based on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the accident. Some of the largest big box store settlements in recent times include:
- A man tripped over a wooden pallet while getting a watermelon in a Walmart store and injured his hip severely. Security footage showed other similar accidents. The jury awarded him $7.5 million. This is an example of a settlement where punitive damages for the lifelong impact.
- A woman tripped over a crack in a Walmart parking lot and injured her ankle badly. Walmart used surveillance video to show she walked normally after the fall, but the jury did not believe it. They awarded her $1 million for the seriousness of her injuries and the change in her living standard.
- A woman slipped on a floor mat in a puddle of liquid at a Walmart cash register and suffered a debilitating arm injury. A federal jury gave her more than $1.4 million, including attorney fees, after finding that Walmart had weak defenses.
- A woman had a heavy box fall on her head while shopping in a Walmart store and sustained a head contusion and a cervical strain. She still felt pain despite medical treatments. The accident was blamed on a cashier who was not trained properly. The jury gave her $1.39 million to show Walmart’s responsibility.
"The outcome of a case often comes down to preparation. We build every claim as if it may go to trial."
Do Big Box Stores Typically Settle Out of Court?
Many big box store slip and fall cases are settled out of court. Stores like Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, and Lowe’s often prefer to settle to avoid the publicity and uncertainty of a trial. However, our firm is always prepared to go to court if it means securing a better outcome for our client.
Kalikhman & Rayz: 10/10 Avvo Rating
Facing a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming. You might be dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. At this challenging time, it’s best to have an advocate on your side who understands how to win slip and fall cases, especially against big box stores.
Our firm is dedicated to helping those who have suffered in slip and fall accidents. Our team of experienced attorneys has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these cases. We’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate representation, ensuring your story is heard, and your rights are protected.
If you’ve experienced a slip and fall at a big box store and need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (267) 244-7902. We’re here to help you through this difficult time and work towards the compensation you deserve.
Discover how our slip and fall practice areas serve clients in Reading, Bensalem, Lancaster, Erie, Allentown, Upper Darby, Pittsburgh, Lower Merion, Harrisburg, and Scranton.
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