Retail Liability Claims In Issaquah: Seven Common Hazards That Can Cause Serious Personal Injuries
When you think of potentially dangerous activities that could jeopardize your health and safety, shopping is not one of the things that comes to mind. However, grocery stores, clothing boutiques, and other types of retail establishments are among the most common places for personal injuries in Issaquah to happen.
When you suffer injuries due to the negligence of the property owner, you have the right to hold them liable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Our Issaquah retail liability attorney provides the trusted, local legal representation you need in filing a claim. Find out seven common hazards that can make retail injuries more likely to happen.
Common Store Hazards That Increase Issaquah Personal Injury Risks
Under the Washington State Code (RCW 4.24.210), property owners have a legal duty to maintain the premises and protect the safety of invited guests and visitors. When they fail to provide proper upkeep, make repairs, or otherwise address obvious hazards, serious personal injuries in Issaquah can occur as a result. The following are seven of the most common causes:
- Wet, slippery floors.
The Washington State Department of Health warns that slips and fall accidents pose major risks to residents of all ages. They frequently happen when visiting local stores, often due to wet, slippery floors caused by spills or rain.
- Damaged flooring materials.
Uneven sidewalks, loose flooring tiles, and worn carpeting are all common hazards you may encounter in retail establishments. Unfortunately, they can all increase slip and fall accident risks.
- Cluttered aisles and walkways.
Retail and grocery stores are busy places. Leftover boxes and other types of debris can quickly pile up. Allowing excess clutter to linger in walkways or aisles increases accident risks.
- Overloaded displays and shelves.
In an effort to maintain adequate stock or to ensure customers see certain items, store owners and managers may require employees to overstock shelves. This poses serious risks when customers reach for items.
- Improperly secured fixtures and decor.
Not taking the time to ensure light fixtures and other practical or decorative items in stores are properly secured can lead to accidents in which customers are struck by or against objects.
- Failure to provide proper landscaping.
Property owners have a duty to maintain the outside of their establishment. This includes repairing sidewalks and providing routine maintenance and landscaping to prevent falling leaves, tree branches, or other problems from posing a risk to customers.
- Failure to post warning signs.
When a property owner is aware of or should know about certain hazards, they have a duty to post warning signs alerting visitors.
Contact Our Issaquah Retail Liability Attorney
At Injury Law Group NW, we provide the trusted, local legal representation you need when injuries happen. To discuss your rights in seeking compensation with our Issaquah retail liability attorney, call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.24.210
doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/injury-and-violence-prevention/older-adult-falls/falls-washington