Displays are an essential unit in any retail setting you walk into, whether you’re at a supermarket or a clothing store. These are used to advertise and attract customers to certain products, but they can also make the store more attractive, especially at warehouse settings like home improvement stores. You may have noticed, for example, that they have displays for new or discounted products at Home Depot, Lowes, and other hardware stores.
One thing we often forget about is the amount of tampering that goes on with the items that are being displayed. By tampering, we’re not saying that people are intentionally causing problems with the displays. However, they are going to pick things up to read labels, compare prices, and engage in other activities that are perfectly reasonable. Essentially, these displays are usually tampered with by customers and never subsequently inspected by store employees. As a result, some of them tip over on people that are passing by or standing next to the display.
Were you injured from an unsafe store display that tipped over on you? Compensation may be available for the harm you’ve suffered, but you must act quickly as there is a limited amount of time to sue for an in-store accident. To discuss your rights and legal options with a store display accident attorney, contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation.
Injuries Caused by a Store Display
A store display can be quite heavy, or contain heavy objects that can fall off if they’re too close to the edge or not stacked correctly. In some cases, the entire display can collapse or tip over and cause serious injuries to people, such as:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Puncture wounds and deep cuts
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Brain damage
- Disfiguring injuries to your face
- Dislocation in the jaw, knee, elbow, or shoulder
- Sprains, particularly in the ankle or wrist
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and back injuries
- Nerve damage
Unless it’s obvious that you’ve been severely injured, you may feel like it’s best to walk away and go about the rest of your day. We know it can be a hassle to talk to someone and file an accident report, but please take this step as soon as you’ve been injured by a store display. In addition, seek medical attention right away, as you will need documentation of the injuries you’ve sustained. If you do not follow these steps, it will be difficult to prove a case of negligence against the store and obtain the funds you deserve as an accident victim.
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Can I Sue if a Store Display Fell on Me?
Yes, you may have a case for monetary damages against the store if a display caused you to sustain one or more injuries. However, you must prove that the owner or operators of the business failed to take reasonable actions that would have prevented your accident. For example, displays in a store must be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that they are safe and in good condition.
This is very important for displays with stacked items, like cases, crates, sacks, etc. Customers often pull these out and put them back, and they’re not always careful about how they’re replaced. Of course, you can technically argue that the customer is to blame if their carelessness causes the display to fall down. But it’s the owner of the property that’s at fault under California’s premises liability law. Essentially, owners are responsible for any dangerous condition on their premises. Thus, if someone is injured from a display at a store, it’s the store owners that are liable for the victim’s injuries.
Please be aware that this is a basic description of the state’s liability laws. There may be other issues that will form the basis for a lawsuit if you’ve had a store display or falling object incident at a Home Depot, Lowes, or another retailer in the state of California. For more information on your right to sue the store, contact us for a free case review at your earliest convenience.
Other Causes of Store Display Tip Over Incidents
Both indoor and outdoor displays at a store pose a risk of serious injury when they are not properly assembled of maintained. We talked about passerby tampering of store displays, but there are various circumstances that can cause a store display to tip over:
- Store displays that are too high or top-heavy
- Display bins and tables that are defective or structurally unsound
- Putting displays in areas where people are likely to trip over them, which can also make a store display topple over
Trip and fall accidents are very common with store displays, especially ones that are low to the ground or have edges that stick out. Some places also have displays that are decorated with lights (usually around the holidays), and if there are electrical problems, people may be burned or injured from electric shock.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit against the Store
In general, the statute of limitations for an injury-based lawsuit is 2 years. This means you have two years starting from the date of your accident to sue the store where you were injured. Many people that wait too long to take legal action often run out of time to sue the responsible party. As the courts are very strict about the timeline to file a lawsuit, you may lose the right to monetary compensation if you are past the two-year window. Don’t delay in giving us a call and getting started on an accident claim with one of our legal experts.
Settlement Value of a Falling Object Injury Case
An accident is expensive to recover from, especially if you need surgery, physical rehabilitation and other specialized medical treatments. Most victims also need time off from work, as the recovery period can take weeks or months. We also have to think about the emotional trauma that’s associated with a falling object accident. As a result, most victims experience mental health issues, such as nightmares, phobias, and anxiety. These are some of the factors that can affect the settlement value for a store display injury claim.
Though people often ask for an average case value, there’s no universal amount of compensation that fits every situation. Some clients have relatively minor injuries, where $10,000 to $50,000 may be a fair settlement award. Many of the settlements recovered by our lawyers fall within $175,000 to $2,500,000, but at the end of the day, it’s impossible to say what your case is worth without knowing the details of your accident. If you’d like to discuss the value of case with a store display accident lawyer, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
What is the Average Length of Time to Settle a Store Accident Injury Case?
There is no easy way to answer this question, as the settlement process is affected by many issues that are beyond our control. Generally, the store’s insurance company is very quick to offer a settlement, but you can be sure that the amount is far below what you actually deserve. It’s our job as your legal representative to negotiate a fair amount of damages, and this can take anywhere from six to 10 months on average. Some cases will take longer, maybe 2 or more years, especially those with multiple or severe injuries that can cause lifelong complications.
Free Consultation with a Falling Store Display Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a store display that tipped over, please seek guidance from the personal injury lawyers of Normandie. We have been fighting for the rights of accident victims for over two decades. Our lawyers know how to get results in these cases and ensure that you, as the victim, receive maximum compensation from the negligent party.
Our services include free second opinion consultations. If you’ve filed an injury claim or lawsuit already, you may benefit from a case evaluation with our legal experts. Do you believe that your lawyer is taking too long to settle your case? Are you unhappy with the lack of time and attention from your attorney? We’re happy to discuss anything that’s on your mind and help you find solutions to your problem.
No matter how far along you are with a store display injury case, there is no upfront cost when you become one of our clients. The store will cover your legal fees as a part of your settlement award, so we don’t make a cent unless we win your case. This is our promise to you under the Zero Fee Guarantee, so there’s nothing to lose by reaching out to us and exploring the legal options that are available to you.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Lowe’s Slip and Fall Attorney
Average Value of An Accident Case against Lowes
Average Value of an Accident Case against Home Depot
