Slip and fall accidents, parking lot accidents, and merchandise related accidents are all commonplace in malls and grocery stores. On the rare occasion these accidents lead to serious injury, the victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. In order to recover damages, one must prove that the owners and/or managers of the mall or grocery store were responsible due to dangerous conditions or negligence.
At The Law Office of Fredson Statmore Bitterman, our attorneys have extensive experience assisting clients with their mall, grocery story, and parking lot accident related premises liability claims throughout New Jersey.
Call our office today to discuss your unique needs and concerns regarding your mall and grocery store accident in Bloomfield in a free and confidential consultation with our experienced attorney team.
Slip and Fall Accidents in New Jersey Malls and Grocery Stores
The most common type of accident leading to injury in a Bloomfield mall or grocery store are slip and falls. Generally speaking, a slip and fall claim revolves around slipping or tripping on an unsafe surface, leading to an injurious fall. Slipping on a wet floor is not enough to prove your claim. Our mall and grocery store accident attorneys will assist you in showing that your injury was due to the negligence of the proprietor under premises liability statutes.
In order to determine liability, there are a few factors. Our attorneys will help show that one or more of the following took place:
- The owner or an employee of the owner took action that caused the dangerous situation such as spilled liquid, uneven surfaces, dangerous surfaces, or worn-out flooring
- The owner or an employee of the owner knew about the dangerous situation and failed to correct it
- The owner or an employee of the owner should have reasonably had knowledge of the dangerous conditions because monitoring those conditions should have been covered by the caretakers of the premises
The third item can be the most contentious as it can be difficult to prove that the proprietors should have “reasonably” known about the conditions. The other party will often claim that the situation was brand new and they could not have possibly known, that they regularly check for dangerous conditions, or that there was a reason for the dangerous conditions are part of business operations. Your attorneys will work with your individual circumstances to help prove liability.
Finding Fault for Mall and Grocery Store Accidents
If you were involved in a parking lot accident, there are a few different scenarios that may determine the strength of your case. A vehicle can either strike another vehicle or a pedestrian. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian moving into or out of a mall or grocery store in Bloomfield, the accidents can be very dangerous and lead to serious injuries.
If a vehicle hits a pedestrian or a parked car, they are almost always be found to be at fault for the accident. If there are two moving vehicles, then it must be shown that one party was at fault in order to file a claim. There are right of ways laws for parking lots in New Jersey, which can get relatively complicated and even more difficult to prove without the right evidence.
The victim of a parking lot accident may also hold the owner of the parking lot liable for dangerous conditions which were not properly handled or marked with signage. If possible, taking pictures of the accident may also provide useful evidence for your case. Something to keep in mind is that the police may not investigate a parking lot accident as parking lots are generally considered private property. This is different than an auto accident on a public road, where the police will document the scene and gather evidence for you.
How Do I Recover Compensation for My Mall Accident?
Having an accident in a Bloomfield mall or grocery store does not automatically entitle the victim to compensation. First, the injured person must prove that the owner or manager or the mall or grocery store was negligent. Many times, this involves showing that the owner or manager knew about a dangerous condition and did not take action to make the situation safe or properly warn patrons.
As mall and grocery store accident claims will likely be disputed, many cases go to court. As always, insurance companies will attempt to settle the claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. They may even try to get the parties involved to sign paperwork that may forfeit certain rights. Before signing any paperwork, talking to your attorney right away may avoid future regret.
Contact an Attorney for Help After a Bloomfield Mall or Grocery Store Accident
When you sustain injuries from a mall or grocery store accident in Bloomfield, our team can help you seek compensation for your damages. Call today to begin reviewing the details of your case.
