When you enter a Whole Foods Market, you have various expectations such as finding the freshest produce to receiving the best possible service. One thing that you do not expect is to enter a California Whole Foods and become involved in a life-altering accident that leads to serious injuries. However, this is a reality that many victims face each year due to a wide array of reasons.
At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims of accidents at Whole Foods Markets and various other grocery stores. We believe that grocery stores should be kept safe from harm at all times. If you have been hurt in an accident on one of these properties, you may have legal options moving forward. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information on how you can get back on your feet after a grocery store accident.
Types of Accidents That Happen at Whole Foods Market
Every year, various hazards in grocery stores are overlooked until it is too late. Whole Foods is no stranger to these accidents, which occur due to these common reasons:
Wet/Slippery Floors: A food spill or a freshly cleaned floor could easily lead to a slip and fall accident. This is why appropriate signage pointing to wet floors is vital in a Whole Foods.
Uneven Surfaces: Uneven flooring and bunched mats inside a store can lead to an unexpected trip and fall accident.
Lack of Lighting: Whole Foods are supposed to have adequate lighting inside and outside the store. If there are areas without proper lighting, it can obscure various types of hazards.
Debris and Aisle Clutter: When boxes and other debris are left in aisles, they can create obstacles that easily lead to accidents involving customers.
Falling Merchandise: Merchandise is sometimes placed incorrectly on shelves overhead. If that merchandise falls onto a customer below, it can lead to catastrophic results.
Dog Bites: Only service dogs are permitted inside Whole Foods stores. However, dog bite incidents could still occur on the property for any reason, leading to extensive harm.
Poorly Maintained Walkways: Stores are supposed to ensure that all walkways and sidewalks are kept free from debris. If they are not, a trip hazard could easily occur.
When any one of these accidents takes place, it can lead to severe injuries. Some of these include broken bones, internal organ damage, paralysis, and more. Injured victims may be left with a painful and extensive recovery process, as well as missed time at work. This can severely impact a victim financially. Understanding your options after an accident is crucial so that you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Holding Whole Foods Market Responsible for Your Accident
If you wish to move forward with a premises liability claim after an accident at a Whole Foods Market, you will need to determine who is responsible for your accident. The property owner or a manager is typically liable for what happens on a Whole Foods property. From the moment that you walk onto one of these properties, you should be offered a safe environment that is free from all harm.
You may have to show that the following elements were present to be successful in a personal injury claim against a responsible party:
- The property owner or another party owed you a duty of care from harm
- The duty of care was breached through negligence
- The negligent condition led to your accident
- Your accident resulted in injuries and other damages
After you have been hurt in an accident at a grocery store, you should never delay medical treatment. This is one of the best types of evidence to support your claim and help you care for your well-being following a serious accident.
Financial Support After an Accident at Whole Foods Market
If you have been hurt in an accident at a Whole Foods, you may be eligible for a wide array of damages on both economic and non-economic levels. These include the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or expect to incur
- Lost wages and future loss earnings due to missed time at work
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages if a loss of life occurred
To be successful in a claim and receive the damages that you are entitled to, you will have to comply with time limits. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the time that you discover your injury. You could be barred from bringing a claim after these limits, which is why you want to act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact a California Grocery Store Accident Injury Lawyer Today
You should never have to worry about hazards inside grocery stores like Whole Foods Market. However, you could quickly fall victim to an adverse condition that you never expected, leaving you with serious injuries for weeks, months, or life.
At Maison Law, our California grocery store accident injury lawyers are here to help you get back on your feet following an accident. We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused concerning where to turn, which is why we offer our help and resources along the way. You qualify for a confidential and completely free case review. Please contact us today for more information on how you can get started.
