According to research, nearly 83% of Americans visit shopping centers at least once per week. Shopping centers and malls are common destinations for people to purchase gifts for their loved ones or grab a bite to eat. While no one expects to suffer severe injuries during their outing, accidents can occur due to negligence. When shopping malls are inadequately maintained, there’s a greater likelihood of slip and fall accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a shopping mall, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages. However, you may know how to proceed through the claims process. Please continue reading to learn what steps you should take following your injury and how a proficient Birmingham Slip And Fall Lawyer can help you navigate your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Shopping Mall Accidents?
Unfortunately, serious accidents occur when the appropriate parties fail to uphold their legal duty of care to maintain a safe environment for their guests. In some cases, individuals try to cut corners to save money by neglecting to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs to mitigate the risk of injuries. The following include but are not limited to some of the most common causes of shopping mall accidents:
- Slippery floors
- Overcrowded walkways
- Broken or missing handrails
- Faulty escalators, or elevators
- uneven pavement or potholes in parking lots
- Inadequate lighting
- Inadequate security
- Inadequate warning signs in areas where there are dangers present
What Steps Should I Take If I’m Injured in a Shopping Mall?
If you’ve sustained an injury in a shopping mall, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention to ensure you receive the treatment and care you need. Even if your injuries seem minor, a thorough medical examination is crucial as some injuries may not be visible or have delayed effects. You should avoid refusing medical treatment at the scene of the accident, as the insurance company can argue that you contributed to the severity of your injuries by delaying medical care. From here, you’ll need to report the incident to mall management. They will document the accident with details, including the date and time of the accident, the location of the accident, the injuries sustained, and other crucial information that can support your legal claim later on.
If you’re physically capable, you should gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes capturing pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. If there were any witnesses, it’s beneficial to collect their contact information as they may be able to corroborate your claim. It’s also important to keep track of all your medical records and receipts related to your injury. However, the most crucial step after an injury in a shopping mall is retaining the legal services of an experienced Birmingham slip and fall lawyer, who can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a shopping mall due to negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled lawyer from Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, who can help you fight for the maximum compensation for your damages.
