The holiday season leads to a peak in slip, trip and fall accidents in department stores and retail stores. In the majority of these situations, the injuries are superficial and do not even require a doctor’s visit. However, when serious injuries occur, it is important to have a case reviewed by a slip, trip and fall down accident lawyer to evaluate whether there is a viable negligence case or not. Most, if not all, lawyers will provide a free initial consultation.
Pennsylvania Slip, Trip & Fall Accident Law Applicable to Department Stores
Under Pennsylvania law, businesses which are open to the public owe customers one of the highest duties under the law with respect to care and control of the premises or store. Under Pennsylvania slip and fall law, customers of such establishments are known as “business invitees,” and the law requires that stores must be reasonably safe for business invitees. This includes the duty to conduct reasonable inspections for defects and dangerous conditions. The following are the kinds of businesses which fall into this category:
- department stores,
- shopping malls,
- retail stores,
- clothing stores,
- discount stores,
- toy stores, and
- grocery stores.
Slip and Trip Hazards in Department Stores
Slipping hazards are common near entry ways, restrooms or bathrooms, and areas where food or drink are served. Tripping hazards are also common near entry ways, due to issues like misplaced floor mats or threshold variation between two walkways. Tripping hazards also tend to exist near elevators and escalators where transition between two surfaces can cause shoppers to trip.
Related Philadelphia Slip & Fall Down Accident Legal Articles:
- Pennsylvania Sidewalk Slip, Trip and Fall Accident Liability
- Slip and Fall Accidents at Work in Pennsylvania
- Tips on What to do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers
The Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman accept cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area and always offer a free consultation:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.