Believe it or not, accidents happen often in department stores. Many of these accidents are caused by poor maintenance within the store that can lead to injuries. If you have been injured in a department store accident due to the negligence of a property owner, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim. In order to properly file your claim, you will need the assistance of an experienced California personal injury attorney to walk you through the legal process ahead. Continue reading to discover the most common causes of department store accidents, what you should do following an accident, and the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California.
What are the most common causes of department store accidents?
Many of the common causes of department store accidents are caused by the property owner’s negligence that could have easily been avoided with proper maintenance. The following factors are the most common causes of department store accidents:
- Spills
- Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
- Merchandise falling from shelves
- Obstructions in aisles
- Jagged shelves or showcases
What should I do following a department store accident?
If you have been involved in a department store accident, you should have a plan to protect yourself. Follow each of the following steps to set yourself up for a successful personal injury claim if you choose to take legal action.
- Alert the store owner so that they can file an incident report.
- Call the police. The authorities should file a police report and bring any necessary medical assistance to the scene.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately. Collect all medical documents relating to your treatment.
- Take photos of the scene including unsafe conditions that caused your accidents. You should also take photos of your injuries.
- Collect any witnesses’ contact information.
- Reach out to an experienced California personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney will be able to gather all relevant evidence necessary for your case including security footage of the event.
What is the statute of limitations for department store accidents in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years. This means that from the date of your accident, you will have two years to take legal action regarding your accident. It is important to understand this timeline because you may be barred from suing if you fail to take legal action before this time is complete. Reach out to a personal injury attorney today to get started as soon as possible. Contact our firm to discuss your options and to visualize what your upcoming legal process might look like. We want to fight to receive the compensation you require to heal.
Contact our experienced California firm
Whether you’ve been injured in an accident due to negligence or you’ve been charged with a DUI, you cannot afford to proceed without strong legal representation at your side. Here at The Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, we are dedicated to helping all those in need of an attorney who can efficiently fight for their rights. Contact our firm today so we can discuss your case.