Deerfield Beach Retail Store Injury Lawyer
Shopping at retail stores is an everyday occurrence, and when you go shopping you expect the store to be safe and free from any dangerous conditions. However, accidents at retail stores happen every day in Florida due to the negligence of retail store owners and staff, and they are liable for injuries that happen on their premises. The lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez have experience in cases involving retail store injuries in Deerfield Beach and can get you the compensation you deserve for damages following an accident at a retail store.
Retail Store Premises Liability
The owners or occupiers of a retail store owe the highest standard of care for their customers, also known as business invitees. Under Florida law, retail stores are mandated to regularly inspect their premises for any hazards or dangerous conditions. They must either fix the hazard or warn customers that the dangerous condition exists. Retail stores are liable for all hazards that they know or should have known about had an inspection been completed.
Premises liability applies to all types of retail stores, including grocery stores, hardware stores, malls, clothing stores, beauty salons, gas stations, and anywhere else a person can purchase goods. The most common type of accident in a retail store is a slip and fall, usually due to something being spilled and not cleaned up. Other common causes of retail store injuries include:
- Merchandise falling from shelves
- Faulty or uneven stairs, elevators, or escalators
- Jagged edges or corners of shelving and showcases
- Faulty revolving doors
- Inadequate lighting
- Negligent security
- Aisle obstructions
- Exposed wires
- Malfunctioning smoke detectors, and
- Upturned carpet or mats
Elements of Premises Liability
Premises liability lawsuits typically are categorized as a type of negligence. In order to prove that the owner or occupier of a retail store is liable for the damages, the injured person must first show that the retail store had a duty to its customers. Second, that the retail store failed in its duty to protect its customers by not fixing the dangerous condition in the store or warning customers of the hazard. Third, that as a direct result of the failure to fix or warn of the dangerous condition, the victim was injured in the store and suffered damages.
Compensation for Injuries
The owner or occupier of a retail store is liable for economic and non-economic damages following an accident. Economic damages are out of pocket costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Non-economic costs include money for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of future earning capacity. In situations where a retail store accident results in death, the family of the victim is also entitled to compensation for wrongful death.
Call the Lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez
If you or a loved one was injured while shopping or at a retail store in Deerfield Beach or the surrounding area, you may be entitled to damages. Call or contact the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez today to schedule a free review of your case.