Can I Sue a Retail Store for an Injury in Illinois?

 Posted on March 09, 2022 in Premises Liability

Most people visit grocery stores and other retail stores at least a couple of times a week. Many rely on stores to buy food, clothes, home goods, and more. The last thing most shoppers expect is to leave a retail store in an ambulance.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a retail store or other commercial business, you may wonder what your legal options are. In some cases, injured customers may be able to sue a retail store for damages. The injured person may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

Liability for Injuries in a Store or Other Business

The owners and managers of commercial properties have a legal obligation to ensure that their property is relatively safe for customers. Businesses cannot prevent every conceivable injury from occurring, however, businesses do need to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries. This includes keeping the store clean and free of dangerous hazards. If a business’s negligence leads a customer to be injured, the business may be liable for monetary damages.

Injuries in a retail store may involve:

• Slip and fall hazards – One of the most classic examples of premises liability accidents is slip and fall accidents. Slipping on a wet floor may seem like a minor incident. However, falling can lead to brain injuries, back and spine injuries, broken bones, and other severe injuries.
• Trip and fall hazards – Loose electrical cords, holes in the parking lot, clutter in aisles, and countless other hazards can lead to trip and fall accidents. Stores should be free of hazards like these. Elderly individuals and those in poor health are especially vulnerable to serious fall accidents.
• Burns and electric shock – Exposed electrical components, machinery, and equipment can seriously injure customers. Fire code violations can cause customers to be severely burned or killed in a fire.
• Lacerations – Sharp edges on products or packaging, metal shelves, and other objects can cause lacerations. Deep lacerations are not only painful but can also lead to infections and disfiguring scars.
• Insufficient security – The chances of an assault or robbery against a customer increase when stores do not have sufficient security measures.

Types of Damages in a Retail Store Injury Claim

Individuals who are injured in retail stores may be entitled to compensation for their damages. They may get compensation for ambulance feeds, hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication, and more. They may also be entitled to compensation for ongoing medical needs caused by the accident such as physical therapy. Financial compensation may also be available for non-financial damages like physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of qualify of life caused by an injury.

Contact a Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured at a retail store, contact a Waukegan premises liability attorney from Salvi & Maher, LLP to explore your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income from missed work, pain and suffering, and more. Call 847-662-3303 for a free, no-obligation case assessment.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57