Accidents at supermarkets happen frequently in New Jersey, with the average American visiting the supermarket or grocery store several times a week.
Supermarkets have a responsibility to keep their stores safe for customers. Thanks to consumer-friendly premises liability laws in New Jersey, injured shoppers can seek full compensation for their injures.
Types of Supermarket Injuries
Injuries sustained in supermarkets typically involve slip & fall accidents, but can result in a wide range of injuries.
The most typical include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Head & Neck Injuries
- Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
- Closed Head Injuries
There are many potential causes for these injuries including:
- Wet and slippery floors
- Obstructions such as boxes or pallets
- Faulty doors
- Falling items or poorly stocked merchandise
- Potential burns from self-service
The Duty of Care for Supermarkets
New Jersey has premises liability laws that are designed to protect individuals from the negligence of supermarkets. These laws are not intended to protect shoppers from every possible type of harm, but are instead designed to provide reasonable safety to customers. These laws create a duty of care on the supermarket to ensure the reasonable safety of the premises. Thus, store owners must take reasonable steps to ensure their stores are safe for customers.
Often it is disputed whether an injury was due to negligence on the part of the store owner. If you have questions about a potential claim you should contact a personal injury lawyer.
Building a Case For Compensation
If you or a loved one sustained an injury at a supermarket or grocery store you may be eligible for compensation if:
- The store owed you a Duty of Care
- You were injured as a result of the store's negligence
- You have sustained damages
If and when you file an injury claim, the burden of proof is on you to prove the injuries were the result of negligence of the store owner or maintainer. Insurance companies will not pay compensation unless the legal burden of proof can be met.
To build a strong a case for compensation, the following steps are key:
- Immediately report your injuries to the store manager. If you cannot get up from an injury call for the manager and seek medical assistance.
- Document the scene of the accident as best as you can. If there was a spill, for example, ensure the manager is aware and take pictures on your phone.
- Request a copy of the incident report from the store owner.
- Request contact information from any witnesses to your incident.
- Seek medical care for your injuries and request copies of all your medical records.
How an Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you've been injured in a supermarket accident, speaking with a lawyer is a good idea. Missteps early in the lifetime of an injury claim can have negative effects on your potential compensation. A lawyer familiar with premises liability law can help you understand your rights, negotiate with other parties, and litigate your case if necessary. The Reinartz Law Firm offers a free consultation and a contingency fee for these cases, meaning an attorney fee is paid only when we win or settle your case.
