Injured While Thanksgiving Shopping? Your Rights In Filing A Retail Liability Claim In Washington State
Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means many families in Issaquah, Washington and around the country will be hosting elaborate feasts for friends and family. In addition to parades, food, and football, holiday sales have become a tradition as well.
If you plan on joining the crowd for post-Thanksgiving shopping, make safety a top priority. Crowded parking lots, large crowds waiting outside stores, and cluttered aisles indoors are all issues that can increase the risk of accidental injuries. Our Issaquah retail liability attorneys explain more about potential hazards and your rights in seeking compensation in a claim.
Retailer Negligence Increases Risk Of Thanksgiving Shopping Accidents
Retailers decorate and stock up for the holiday earlier each year. Between pre-holiday sales and the convenience of making online purchases, there is not as much pressure as there used to be to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.
However, throughout the evening hours of the holiday, hundreds of people are still expected to line up outside Gillman Village, Grand Ridge Plaza, or other shopping malls in our area to take advantage of Thanksgiving sales. The Washington Retail Association (WRA) warns store owners to be prepared.
Dealing with the massive increase in inventory and the deluge of shoppers who typically descend on stores post-turkey dinner can pose challenges. One of the top priorities needs to be protecting customer safety. Accidents that can happen if they are not properly prepared include:
- Parking lot accidents;
- Crushing accidents, common at the entrances to stores;
- Slips and falls due to wet floors or cluttered aisles;
- Being struck by objects, such as items falling from shelves;
- Being caught against forklifts and other equipment needed to replace inventory.
Holding Store Owners Accountable In A Retail Liability Claim
The WRA encourages local store owners to take precautions to prevent Thanksgiving shopping accidents, such as increasing staff, hiring security guards, and making sure floors are dry and uncluttered. When they fail to take these or other steps to protect shopping, they can be held liable for any injuries that result in a retail liability claim.
Under the Washington Code, retail store owners have a duty of care to maintain the premises and warn shoppers of any hazards that exist. When you fail to do so and accidental injuries happen, they can be held liable for your losses. To protect your rights in a retail liability claim, follow these steps:
- If you are injured while shopping or in the store parking lot, notify security immediately;
- Make sure they file an accident report and include details, such as when your accident happened and the cause;
- Take photos of the scene and get contact information for witnesses; and
- Get medical attention and follow all doctor instructions.
Schedule A Free Consultation With One Of Our Issaquah Retail Liability Attorneys
Retail accidents in Washington State can ruin your holiday plans and may cause serious personal injuries that prevent you from working or engaging in any other activities. To hold negligent retail owners accountable, call or contact Injury Law Group NW online. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Issaquah-based retail liability attorneys today.
Sources:
washingtonretail.org/ensuring-a-safe-holiday-shopping-season-for-shoppers-and-staff/
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.24
