Are you among the thousands of shoppers who will be out bargain-hunting today? If so, you’d do well to take note of the top five injuries that people can, and do, sustain during the holiday shopping season.
Mention shopping-related injuries, and a lot of people will begin to snicker; however, it’s no laughing matter, and indeed, people have even lost their lives in shopping accidents.
On Black Friday 2008, Jdimytai Damour, an employee at Wal-Mart’s NY Valley Stream store, died from asphyxiation after being trampled in a stampede as a bargain-hunting crowd dashed through the store’s front doors. Wal-Mart has since put into practice crowd-control measures in its New York stores in order to avoid any more tragedies.
Fortunately, such extreme accidents are rare; however, shoppers are prone to the following types of accidents and incidents, with alarming regularity.
Our expert New York premises liability lawyers, can help you get the settlement you are entitled to. Call us today on 917-730-7151.
Slip-and-Fall
At this time of year, the chances are it’s going to be raining, or even snowing, where you shop, which means people will be bringing moisture into the store from the outside from their shoes, coats, and umbrellas. Naturally, this can cause aisles to become slippery, and while we like to think that store employees are on the ball with erecting hazard signs, and clearing up the wet, the fact is that they can’t be everywhere at once, and so accidents do happen. To be a safe shopper, don’t race around the aisles; take care and pay attention to where you’re walking, especially if there are signs telling you that the floor may be slippery.
There are slip and fall hazards outside the store too; parking lot surfaces may be wet or icy, they may be improperly maintained, and they may also have poor or inadequate lighting – any or all of these conditions may lead to a slip and fall accident.
Should you slip and fall, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with a personal injury lawyer who has premises liability expertise.
Head and body injuries
Many people believe themselves able to reach heavy objects which are stacked just out of reach – and many people find themselves injured. If there is a sign telling you to seek assistance, then seek assistance. Those signs are there for a reason. If there is no sign, then still find an assistant to help you.
Again, if you are injured by an object falling on you, and think you have a case, then contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in premises liability.
Shopping carts
We’ve all used those carts which seem to have a mind of their own – the ones where the wheels try to go in every direction except the one you want them to. Now imagine those carts piled high with goods of every description and size, and you can see how easily accidents, particularly those involving poorly-stacked carts which tip over, happen. How would you feel if your cart and injured a child? And how would you feel if someone else’s overladen cart spilled its contents onto your child, or even yourself?
Email New York premises liability lawyers, Antin, Ehrlich, and Epstein LLP, or call 917-730-7151.
Assaults
You might not think it but massive sale events, especially late-night sales, are a breeding ground for thieves and muggers who have a nasty habit of lurking outside stores and in parking lots, waiting to prey on shoppers laden down with the fruits of their bargain-hunting labors. Imagine how easy a target a single person, with a cart full of electronics, in a poorly-lit lot is. Don’t be that easy mark; try to shop with friends or family, and if you can’t, then try to get a parking space as close to the store as possible. Another way to stay safe is to join a group of other people as they exit the store, or find another single shopper and team up with them.
Vehicle accidents
What happens if you combine a rainy evening with crowds of shoppers crossing a dark parking lot, and a whole bunch of drivers vying for limited parking spaces? It doesn’t take a genius to work it out. Throw in some cold, tired, hungry, and over-excited children too, and the potential for tragedy is even greater. Even the most careful of shoppers can find themselves the victim of an auto accident but if you make sure you follow solid road safety rules, you’ll not only greatly lessen the chance of being involved in an accident but also help others to stay safe too. It’s also a good idea to make sure you wear light-colored clothing, or reflector strips, to increase your chances of being seen by drivers.
If you are in the unfortunate position of being a victim of a shopping accident or incident, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with expert New York City personal injury lawyers, Antin, Ehrlich, and Epstein LLP. Call us today, on 917-730-7151, to book a free, no-obligation consultation to see how you can benefit from our 75 years’ experience with personal injury cases. Alternatively, you can email us with your query.
Above all, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving, and please, stay safe during the holiday shopping season. Remember – it’s not a bargain if you finish up in the emergency room.