Did You Slip and Fall at the Mall During Your Holiday Shopping?

 Posted on December 06, 2022 in Personal Injury

Unless you prefer the online buying experience, you may be heading to the mall for your holiday shopping. Sales are expected to increase up to 8 percent from a year ago. Perhaps your plan is an in-and-out strategy this holiday season and focused only on what is on that shopping list for the kids or the grandkids, but it is often in that dash to get it all done within a certain time frame that accidents happen. For example, you may slip and fall while at the mall.

Liability of a Business

It is the legal responsibility of the commercial property owner and those who run the businesses and stores within the mall to make sure that the premises are safe for holiday shoppers and that the property is well maintained. If they are negligent and it results in a slip and fall injury, they should be held accountable. 

Where Exactly Did the Slip and Fall Happen?

Just think about it: when the crowds descend upon a shopping center, many different things can go wrong. The liability of a business property owner will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident and where, specifically, it took place in the mall. If you are injured while holiday shopping inside a particular retailer, the business manager or store owner may be held liable. If you are injured in the mall concourse or parking lot, then the owner of the building may be held responsible.

Shopping Mall Hazards

Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents happen more often than you may think during busy shopping times of the year. You may be trying to get your hands on a trendy gift when you crowd in with other shoppers and you slip and fall.

Injuries at the mall occur for various reasons including uneven and cracked parking lots and sidewalks. Icy conditions make things more dangerous. But wet or waxed floors inside the mall can also cause a tumble. Uneven Floor mats or carpeting can be a tripping hazard. How many times have you gone to a department store and almost fallen because you stepped on a hanger? That is a real concern as crowds descend upon malls and clothes and debris winds up on the floor. During the holidays, there may also be unsecured electrical cords and toys scattered through the aisles.

Malfunctioning escalators can cause serious injuries. Sometimes, an escalator will make a sudden stop without warning. If you are not holding you could end up falling forward on your face. Misaligned handrails and uneven steps can lead to injury and a possible premises liability lawsuit.

Contact a Naperville, IL Premises Liability Lawyer

If you slip and fall while holiday shopping, a DuPage County premises liability attorney will explain the necessary steps to try to ensure justice is served. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices we have more than 40 years of experience handling these types of cases. Call 630-932-9100 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57

https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/winter-holidays