Thousands of shoppers head out on the day after Thanksgiving, more commonly known as Black Friday, every year to purchase the items they have patiently waited for. This tends to cause mass crowds and sometimes hazardous shopping conditions. While shoppers can usually avoid these hazards if they are cautious, the chaotic nature of Black Friday can make it difficult to be aware of these conditions. When this happens, it can lead to accidents that cause serious injuries to people. When facing these situations, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney for assistance.
Premises Liability
Property owners in the state of Pennsylvania are legally required to make sure the conditions of their property are well kept for those who come onto it. This is especially so for store owners and their employees that have people come into their shops on a daily basis. While it is the responsibility of an employer to ensure the safety of their employees, it is the responsibility of the building owner to make sure the store is safe for shoppers. This can be done by conducting routine inspections to be aware of any potential hazards on the premises that may arise. That way they can be fixed immediately. Common dangers that can lead to accidents can include but are not limited to the following:
- Spilled liquids
- Uneven walkways
- Inadequate security
- Poor lighting
- Parking lot hazards
- Construction hazards
Proving Negligence
Shoppers who are injured at the expense of a retail store owner often want to seek justice for their suffering. This can be done with a personal injury claim that exists to hold a negligent party responsible for their failure to ensure the safety of shoppers. During this time, the injured party must prove negligence with evidence that satisfies the burden of proof. This can be done by answering two questions:
- Was the store owner aware of the danger?
- Should the store owner have reasonably known about the danger?
It can be difficult to establish negligence, which is why it is important to retain the services of a personal injury attorney. An attorney can work to demonstrate how the accident occurred as well as prove the store owner knew about and did not fix the hazard. Evidence that can be beneficial can include any previous constructive or actual notice. Constructive notice occurs if the owner failed to inspect the property. Actual notice is any record showing they knew the hazard existed.
Contact our Firm
Attorney Newman has represented clients in Pennsylvania for over 45 years. If you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the personal injury claims process or with any criminal defense matters, Attorney Newman is ready to help. Contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today to schedule a consultation.