While employee-owned Publix stores are generally a safe place to shop for groceries and other household necessities, accidents do happen in these locations. How frequently these accidents occur largely depends on the safety protocols of the store, the layout and conditions of the store, and whether employees alert customers to potential safety hazards.
Common Causes Of Publix Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Examples of causes of accidents in a Publix grocery store and what Florin|Roebig would do to help:
- Wet Floors: Spills from food, beverages, or cleaning activities can create slippery surfaces.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would collect surveillance footage, incident reports, and cleaning logs to document the timing and handling of the spill. They would gather witness statements to establish the store’s negligence in addressing the hazard promptly. In past cases, they have successfully demonstrated a store’s failure to maintain safe conditions, leading to significant settlements.
- Uneven Flooring: Damaged tiles, rugs, or mats can cause trips and falls.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would document the hazardous flooring through photographs and maintenance records. They would consult with flooring experts to provide testimony on the danger posed by the uneven surfaces. In a similar case, Florin|Roebig highlighted the property owner’s negligence, securing a favorable outcome for their client.
- Cluttered Aisles: Products, boxes, and stocking carts left in aisles can create tripping hazards.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather evidence of the cluttered aisles, including store policies on stocking procedures and employee testimonies. They would demonstrate the store’s failure to keep aisles clear and safe for customers. Their meticulous evidence collection has led to substantial settlements in previous cases involving retail stores.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting in areas like restrooms or storage areas can obscure hazards.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: They would investigate the lighting conditions by reviewing maintenance records and consulting with lighting experts to demonstrate how poor visibility contributed to the fall. In past cases, such as those involving dimly lit parking lots, they used expert reports to show the property owner’s negligence, leading to significant jury verdicts.
- Loose Floor Mats: Unsecured mats near entrances or produce sections can cause slips or trips.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would collect evidence such as the placement and condition of floor mats, and review store maintenance records. They would work with safety experts to show how improper mat placement caused the accident. In similar cases, Florin|Roebig secured favorable outcomes by proving the store’s negligence in ensuring safe floor conditions.
- Leaking Refrigeration Units: Water leaks from coolers or freezers can create slippery spots.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: They would document the leak through photographs, maintenance logs, and repair records. Florin|Roebig would gather testimonies from refrigeration experts to establish that the store failed to address known issues. Their approach in past cases has led to successful settlements by showing a pattern of neglect.
- Spilled Produce: Fruits and vegetables, especially in the produce section, can fall and create a slipping hazard.
- Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would collect incident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to demonstrate the store’s failure to promptly clean up the spilled produce. By highlighting the store’s negligence in maintaining a safe shopping environment, they would build a strong case for compensation. Their proven track record includes securing substantial settlements in similar cases by emphasizing the lack of prompt action to address hazards.
Any slip and fall accident can result in serious injuries depending on how the person fell in terms of body location and how hazardous the cause of the accident was. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that one out of every five slip-and-fall accidents result in serious bodily injuries. In fact, these accidents are the primary cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) across the country.
Some of the traumatic brain injuries from a Publix slip, trip, and fall may include the following:
- Mild TBI – mild concussion
- Moderate TBI – loss of consciousness
- Severe TBI – loss of consciousness for at least one full day. Typically associated with changes on CT scan of the brain or brain MRI
- Complicated TBI– associated with brain bleeding
- Closed TBI – jolt or movement of the brain
- Open TBI – when an object penetrates the brain
Additionally, slip and fall accidents can leave victims severely injured and unable to work, provide and care for their families, and enjoy the things they once did. This can result in lost income and loss of enjoyment in life. More severe injuries such as paralysis or brain damage and negatively impact every aspect of a person’s livelihood forever.
Types Of Injuries Incurred As A Result Of A Publix Slip-And-Fall Accident
There are several different types of injuries a person can sustain when in a slip-and-fall accident in Publix. A few of the most common types of injuries seen include:
- Head, neck, and traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures, including hip fractures
- Shoulder injuries
- Spine and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains, especially in the ankles, feet, or wrists
- Bruises
- Lacerations
Regardless of the type of injury you incurred in a slip-and-fall accident in Publix, you may be eligible for compensation through filing an insurance claim. This compensation can help you recover any financial damages and work to support you as you get back on your feet after the accident.
Slip-And-Fall Laws You Should Be Aware Of
Not all slip-and-fall accidents will result in Publix, a commercial establishment, being held liable for the accidents. In order for Publix to be held liable, the following criteria must be met:
- The accident was a direct result of Publix’s (defendant) failure to offer a safe environment for patrons
- The individual (plaintiff) was injured as a direct result of Publix’s failure to effectively alert customers of safety hazards on its property. Many times this is from a no wet-floor sign.
Each state varies in its laws related to the responsibility of establishments to effectively maintain their store and property. In most cases, Publix properties must maintain a safe and non-harmful environment and clearly warn customers when there is a potential safety hazard.
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Who Is Liable In A Publix Slip-And-Fall Case?
Several factors can influence who is held liable in a Publix slip-and-fall case. If you participated in any of the following behaviors, you may be unable to build a case against Publix and hold the establishment accountable:
- If you were participating in distractions such as texting and walking when you fell
- If you incurred the injury while trespassing on the Publix property
- If you were acting in an overtly negligent way that put yourself and/or others at risk when the accident happened
- If you were intoxicated when the accident occurred
Steps To Take If You’ve Been Involved In A Slip-And-Fall Accident In Publix
There are a number of steps you should take immediately following a slip-and-fall accident in Publix to support your claim and your eligibility for compensation. These steps include:
Get medical attention as soon as possible: While some injuries are very noticeable, others can take hours or even days to make themselves known. The longer you wait to get medical attention, the harder it will be to prove that your injuries were a direct result of a slip-and-fall accident. Getting medical treatment after the accident will also provide you with important documentation necessary when filing a claim.
Document as many details as possible: If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, the cause of the accident if possible, and the injuries you incurred. Also be sure to make note of the date, time, and location of the fall and any other details related to your accident.
Get witness contact information: Witnesses can be a valuable asset when filing a claim with a large corporation like Publix. If someone or several individuals witnessed your fall and its cause, try to get their contact information for follow-up purposes.
Get in touch with an experienced slip-and-fall attorney: Working with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer can make the entire process go smoother and ensure your case is as strong as possible. Additionally, insurance companies and larger establishments like Publix will often go to great lengths to minimize the settlement to reduce the compensation they pay out. A good attorney can fight on your behalf and is your best chance of getting the compensation you need and deserve.
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How The Personal Injury Attorneys At Florin|Roebig Can Help
While it’s not legally required to hire a personal injury lawyer, it can significantly increase the likelihood that you get a fair settlement after your slip-and-fall accident in a Publix. A personal injury attorney will put in the work so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back on track after the accident. Examples of what an attorney can do to support your case include interviewing witnesses, investigating the accident scene, working with the defendant to negotiate a settlement amount, and organizing your documentation.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig are highly knowledgeable in slip-and-fall cases and would be happy to assist you with your case. Contact us today for a confidential and free consultation.
