As of 2023, there were well over 900 Safeway locations in the United States. California makes up the highest percentage of these grocery stores, with a whopping 244 locations. As with any grocery store, Safeway has a responsibility to keep its stores safe from all hazards so that customers are protected at all times. If you have been hurt in a Safeway store, you may have legal options.
Our attorneys at Maison Law offer assistance and knowledge to those injured in grocery store-related accidents each year throughout California. We understand that an accident with injuries can be especially overwhelming when it causes you ongoing pain and loss of income due to missed time at work. We are here for you when you need our assistance the most. Please contact us for more information on how we can assist you.
Common Causes of Accidents at Safeway Stores
Safeway grocery stores are popular due to the fact that customers can always get a good deal and find a wide array of items that they can use around the house. As there are so many items in these stores and staff always on the move in these stores, accidents can happen due to a wide array of reasons. These include some of the following:
- Damaged cartons or boxes filled with liquids and food spilling onto the floor, creating slippery floor surfaces
- Water leaking from coolers and refrigerators onto the floor
- Boxes or other inventory blocking aisles and walking space, leading to trip hazards
- Debris and litter left on the floor that customers cannot see as they navigate the store with a shopping cart
- Merchandise falling from overhead shelving onto customers down below
- Dog bite injuries, even though only service animals are permitted on the property
- Inadequate lighting inside and outside the store, leading to fall hazards and an increase in crime
Even though property owners and employees are supposed to inspect and properly maintain their stores so that accidents can be avoided, this does not always happen. Injured customers may wonder what options they have following an accident at a Safeway.
Understanding the Elements of Negligence in a Grocery Store Accident Claim
To bring a successful personal injury claim against a Safeway store, it is important that you can show that a property owner or another party acted in a negligent matter and put you at risk. Here are some elements that you will need to show in your claim:
Duty of Care: You must be able to show that Safeway owed you a duty of care, such as keeping their store safe from harm so that customers are not injured on the property.
Breach of Duty: After this, you will have to show that Safeway somehow breached the duty of care through negligent acts. For example, if there was a spill on the floor, you will have to show that it was there long enough for an employee to have noticed it and cleaned it up.
Causation: You must also show that the store’s breach in duty of care led to your accident and that it wasn’t caused by another reason.
Damages: After all other elements have been proven, you must show that you suffered damages as a result of the accident.
Financial Support After an Accident at Safeway
After being injured in a Safeway grocery store accident, you will likely suffer financially due to these injuries. As you work on your physical recovery, the bills may keep piling up against you for a wide array of aspects. You may be eligible to cover damages for the following aspects after an accident:
- Medical expenses you have incurred
- Medical bills you may incur in the future due to your injuries
- Lost income and future loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages if a life has been taken
- Punitive damages
These damages can help you get back on your feet and return to as much normalcy as possible after a life-changing accident. Speaking with a legal advocate can ensure that your rights are being protected and all deadlines are met along the way.
Contact a California Grocery Store Accident Injury Lawyer Today
From the moment that you enter a Safeway store, safety should be key. However, not all property owners, managers, and employees treat safety the same. This means that an accident could be lurking around a corner, forever altering your life.
Our California grocery store accident injury lawyers are here to assist you after you have been hurt in an accident while shopping. The insurance company may offer you much less than you deserve in financial support, which is where we come in. We will negotiate on your behalf and provide you with knowledge that can help you through these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no-obligation case review.
