Going to the supermarket is a chore most people do every week. You may be familiar with the store’s layout and not pay close attention to where you walk while shopping. Despite a trip to the market being a routine task, a slip and fall accident is a real possibility.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries at the Supermarket

A New Jersey slip and fall accident at the supermarket isn’t just an inconvenience. Depending on the severity of your fall, you can suffer serious injuries. A sudden fall onto a hard supermarket floor can cause broken bones. Fractures to wrists, elbows, hips, and ankles are common.

A fall can tear connective tissue such as ligaments and tendons and damage nerves that help your body function. Some of the most severe slip and fall injuries are those where you fall onto your neck, head, or back, causing anything from herniated discs to brain trauma. Hitting objects such as shelves or stands during the fall can exacerbate the injury.

Possible Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Supermarket aisles see a lot of daily traffic. Any number of actions by others can contribute to a slip and fall accident at the store.

An item that falls off the shelf can cause a slippery substance to spread onto the floor. Poorly maintained refrigerators and freezers can leak water, creating a slick surface. If workers recently mopped the floor and didn’t use proper signage, customers may not know to avoid the dangerous area. Some aisles may have floor mats that can bunch up, causing a tripping hazard.

Supermarkets Can Be Held Responsible

New York and New Jersey premises liability law dictates that supermarkets must take reasonable action to ensure that their businesses do not present the risk of harm to consumers. Slip and fall hazards must be dealt with promptly, or the company must inform patrons with signs so that customers do not risk injury.

Keep in mind that there are cases where the supermarket may not be liable. For example, if another customer created the hazard before employees could respond, this may absolve the business of wrongdoing.

Compensation From a Supermarket Slip and Fall Accident

If you have a slip and fall accident at the supermarket, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain. If the injuries you suffer are catastrophic, you may seek compensation for any permanent disabilities and visible disfigurement due to the fall.

Contact the Law Office of Peter Briskin, a New Jersey slip and fall law firm that can help you get the compensation you deserve.