In California and beyond, Target is known for being one of the largest retailers around. In California alone, more than 300 stores are available to consumers, with millions of people shopping there weekly. Though we never think about it as we’re walking around a Target store, an accident can happen virtually any time. Though safe conditions must be met in Targets including appropriate wet floor signage and repairs, this does not always happen – and accidents may result.
If you were injured in an accident at Target, our attorneys at Maison Law are here to assist you. You may be eligible for a wide array of financial damages if you have been hurt in an accident that was not your fault. We believe that stores have a responsibility to keep you from harm at all times. Please contact us today for a completely confidential case review.
Types of Accidents at Target Stores
When walking around a Target store on a hunt for your favorite goods and deals, any type of accident could occur. Here are some of the most common types of accidents that take place at Target stores each year:
Spills: In big box stores like Target, spills are all too common. Target is home to grocery goods as well as small food courts attached to the store where you can purchase food. Within seconds, a drink or other food item could be spilled all over the floor where shoppers are walking. If a spill is not cleaned up in time or appropriate signage is placed out for shoppers to see, a slip and fall could occur.
Merchandise Falling: Sometimes, merchandise is placed incorrectly on an overhead shelf. This means that it could fall onto customers as they are shopping, leading to traumatic results.
Inadequate Lighting: Target is supposed to ensure that all areas of its store is appropriately lit, from inside the store to the parking lot outside. If somebody falls or becomes victim of a crime on the property and there were no lights in the area, Target could be responsible for the damage.
Defective Shopping Carts: Defective shopping carts can easily lose control, as well as cause cuts to shoppers inside the store. This is why the store must ensure that all carts are working as they are supposed to.
Poorly Maintained Walkways: A walkway should be properly maintained so that any broken pieces are fixed and any debris is cleared. A broken or dirty walkway could easily lead to a trip and fall accident.
Debris: With employees working all day and night, it is not uncommon for merchandise to be placed in the middle of an aisle during shopping hours. Merchandise and other types of debris could cause shoppers to trip when they do not see it until it is too late.
What To Do Following an Accident at Target
From the moment that you become injured in an accident on a Target store property, protecting yourself and your rights is crucial. After an accident at a California Target, you should do the following:
- Immediately report the accident to the manager of Target so that an incident report can be filed.
- Call EMS so that you can be transported to the emergency room for immediate medical care.
- Obtain photographs and videos of your injuries, the location and scene of the accident, and whatever caused the accident.
- Obtain contact information of anybody involved in the incident or anybody who witnessed the accident.
- Make contact with a lawyer who handles big box store injury cases. Maison Law will help you protect your rights in your time of need.
If you receive calls from Target’s insurer after your accident, they may try to convince you to not move forward with a claim and instead accept a settlement offer with them. It is important to keep in mind that this offer may cover much less than you need for all of your medical bills and time missed at work. The insurance company may try to use your words against you if you choose to move forward with a claim. This is why you should have experienced legal help on your side so that you can protect your rights from the beginning.
Damages Available in a Target Injury Case
If you can show that Target is responsible for your accident, you may be entitled to various types of financial support. These include the following:
- Present and future medical expenses related to your injury
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages if a life has been taken
How much your claim is worth depends on the severity of the accident, how it occurred, and various other factors. If your injuries are more severe or permanent in nature, it is possible that you will receive a larger settlement. Though an exact amount cannot be given regarding your claim, a lawyer can guide you in the right direction so that you can maximize the support you receive.
Contact a California Big Box Store Injury Lawyer
The best way to preserve your rights following an accident at a Target store is to speak with Maison Law as soon as possible. A California big box store injury lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your case and gather evidence that can be helpful as you move forward in the California legal system. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free and completely confidential legal consultation.
