Is a Grocery Store Responsible if I Slip and Fall?

 Posted on July 30, 2024 in Premises Liability

When you walk inside a grocery store, you can reasonably expect it to be a safe place to be. Since a grocery store serves customers, it is responsible for ensuring that no preventable harm comes to them when they are inside and that the store does not present a danger to the public. However, things like untrained employees washing floors, irrigation systems in produce sections that could leak, and various liquid products that might accidentally be left to spill, slip and fall accidents are not uncommon. If you were shopping for groceries and got hurt in a slip and fall accident, speak with a skilled DuPage County, IL personal injury attorney to understand your rights.

What Is Premises Liability?

Property owners in Illinois, including grocery stores, are required by law to ensure that their establishment is a safe environment for their customers. This obligation is based on premises liability law, which requires property owners to address any hazards that could cause anyone harm. With slip and fall accidents, it is crucial to understand whether the store owner or operator was negligent in their duty to keep the premises safe for customers.

How Can I Establish Negligence?

If you want to bring a personal injury claim against a grocery store for a slip and fall accident, you need to prove that there was negligence. This typically involves demonstrating the following:

• Duty of care: A store owes its customers a duty of care, which includes making sure the premises are reasonably safe for them to enter.
• Breach of duty: The store failed to address a hazard, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or spilled merchandise, and as such, breached its duty of care.
• Causation: This breach of duty is what directly led to your accident.
• Damages: The slip and fall resulted in damages, which might include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Types of Evidence Do I Need?

You need to gather evidence to support your claim. Important things that can help prove your claims include: 

• Incident reports: Many stores, restaurants, and other businesses have an incident report system. If the grocery store has one, get a copy of the report that describes your slip and fall.
• Photographs: Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, as well as the surrounding area.
• Witness statements: Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the hazardous condition or were there when you fell.
• Medical records: Gather documentation of your injuries and treatments from healthcare providers.

Contact a Mt. Prospect, IL Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you believe a grocery store was responsible for your slip and fall, consult with a qualified DuPage County, IL personal injury attorney experienced in premises liability about filing a claim. At Grauer & Kriegel, LLC, we will aggressively fight for you to get maximum compensation. Call us at 847-240-9010 to schedule a free consultation.