There are approximately 184 Ralph’s grocery stores across 112 cities in the state of California. Customers have the ability to enter a Ralph’s for their favorite groceries, from ingredients to make meals to home cleaning supplies. When you are in one of these stores, you expect to get your groceries and then go on with your day. However, a serious accident can disrupt these plans and your life for many months to come.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of serious accidents at grocery stores. We understand how difficult it can be to get back on your feet after one of these life-altering accidents, which is why we offer our assistance and knowledge to you when you need it the most. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information on your legal options.
Accidents That Commonly Occur on Ralph’s Properties
In a grocery store, you expect to walk through the aisles, grab necessary products, and check out before leaving. However, anything can disrupt your experience and lead to an accident along the way. Here are some of the ways that accidents can occur in a Ralph’s grocery store:
Spills: In a grocery store, there are many types of liquids and foods that can spill onto a floor and lead to catastrophe when a customer slips. Stores are supposed to clean up spills quickly or put down appropriate signage that warns customers of spills so that accidents can be prevented.
Litter and Debris: Debris and litter scattered throughout aisles can lead to trip and fall hazards, which is why stores are always supposed to ensure that their properties are free of these hazards.
Falling Merchandise: When employees are stocking merchandise, they sometimes stock overhead on shelves. This merchandise can easily fall onto customers below, causing severe harm.
Inadequate Lighting: A lack of lighting or faulty lighting inside a Ralph’s store or out in the parking lot can cause immense harm, especially if a customer falls over an object. Parking lot lighting is also necessary so that crimes can be prevented.
Dog Bites: Though only service dogs are only permitted on Ralph’s properties, a dog bite attack could still take place and cause catastrophic injuries to a victim.
Injuries Present in Grocery Store Accidents
No matter what circumstances lead to an accident in a grocery store, serious injuries can result. These injuries are capable of causing immense medical bills and keeping a victim out of work. They include some of the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head-related injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Broken or fractured bones
- Facial lacerations or disfigurement
- Death, in the most serious cases
After an accident, you should be able to focus on your physical recovery without worrying about how you will manage to pay the bills. Speaking with a legal advocate can help you get back on your feet after an accident.
Who is Liable for Your Accident?
Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property safe from all harm when others are invited onto that property, such as is the case with grocery stores. If you have been hurt in an accident on a Ralph’s property, you have the right to bring a premises liability claim. You will have to show that the following elements were present:
- A property owner owed you a duty of care to keep you safe from harm
- The property owner breached that duty of care through negligence
- The breach in duty of care caused your accident
- Your accident led to damages, including your injuries
Making a report to the store regarding your accident, as well as obtaining medical treatment can help you protect your rights and the future of your claim after an accident. An attorney will help you prove liability with various types of evidence that will be imperative in your claim.
How a Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help
Immediately following your premises liability claim, receiving medical care is the most important step to protect your well-being. However, you should also consider what an attorney can do for you and how they will benefit your case. A lawyer can assist you with the following aspects:
- Assess your potential claim from start to finish
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence such as surveillance inside the store, speak with witnesses, and more
- Negotiating with the insurance company to help you receive the largest payout during settlement
- Go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached, representing you every step of the way
A lawyer will ensure that all of your damages are covered after your accident, from medical expenses you have incurred to lost wages due to missed time at work. They will also make sure that you comply with all filing deadlines in your case so that you do not miss out on any opportunities along the way.
Contact a California Grocery Store Accident Injury Lawyer Today
Grocery stores are a necessity in our everyday lives throughout California. If you walk into a Ralph’s and you are injured due to an adverse condition on their property, you have legal options available for you.
At Maison Law, our California grocery store accident injury lawyers are here for you as you navigate the complex legal system after an accident. It is not uncommon to be left with a wide array of questions that you cannot answer on your own during these difficult times, especially if you have never faced an accident in the past. Contact us today for a completely confidential and free case consultation as you move forward.
