Holiday Shopping Accidents: How To Protect Yourself Against Falls And Other Injuries In Pinellas County
Holiday preparations are underway in Pinellas County, and many local stores extend their hours while busily restocking shelves. Whether shopping for decor, gifts, or items for your holiday table, expect to encounter crowds and be aware of injury risks.
Slips, trips, falls and other accidents are common at this time of year in stores as store owners and managers struggle to keep up with the season’s demands. Our Seminole personal injury attorney explains common hazards and how to protect your rights when accidents happen.
As Holiday Sales Surge, Store-Related Injuries More Likely To Happen
The National Retail Federation issued a report in late October 2024, projecting that the coming holiday season would likely break records in terms of sales. Shoppers are expected to spend up to $989 billion purchasing gifts, decor, and other items to make the season more festive.
Starting the week of Thanksgiving, store owners in Naples offer big sales to entice shoppers. Unfortunately, between being open for extended hours, struggling to find workers to take shifts, and keeping store shelves stocked, routine care and maintenance often take a back seat.
This increases the risk of personal injuries in Seminole, which can impact you long after the holiday season is over. Common types of store accidents that are common at this time of year include:
- Slips, trips, and falls due to cluttered aisles, slick floors, lack of proper lighting, or other hazards;
- Getting struck by or against objects, such as improperly secured decor and stock carts;
- Parking lot accidents as shoppers vie for space;
- Aggressive behavior on the part of shoppers or store employees.
Shopping accidents can happen anywhere, from big box stores to smaller boutiques. When you get hurt as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Protecting Your Rights When Holiday Shopping Accidents Happen
Personal injuries in Seminole that happen during holiday shopping trips can ruin the season and may impact your health and ability to work for long after. When they occur due to the negligence of the property owner, store manager, or other staff, you have the right to hold them liable for your damages.
Sprained muscles, broken bones, herniated discs, and concussions are among the common and potentially severe injuries that can happen during the holiday season. Under the Florida Statutes, you can hold those at fault accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs, either by filing a claim through their insurer or a premises liability lawsuit in Pinellas County. To protect your rights, follow these steps:
- Report any accident immediately to store security;
- Get a copy of the accident report;
- Gather evidence, including contact information for witnesses and photos at the scene;
- Avoid downplaying your injuries and get medical care right away.
Contact Our Pinellas County Personal Injury Attorney Today
When holiday shopping accidents leave you suffering personal injuries, Reep Law Firm helps you get the maximum compensation you need to recover in a claim. To request a consultation, contact our Pinellas County personal injury attorney today.
Sources:
com/media-center/press-releases/2024-holiday-spending-expected-reach-new-record
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.0755.html
