Maison Law represents slip and fall accident victims in Tulare. These risks and hazards are scattered throughout the city and area, but are especially prevalent at big box stores like Target. These stores have large amounts of merchandise and other products that can leave you or a loved one facing injuries after a fall. To learn more about your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
There’s no legal requirement in California that says you need a lawyer to file an injury claim. But if you find yourself in a situation where you need to file one, having our team on your side could definitely help you.
A slip-and-fall accident at Target would meet this description. That said, your accident is hopefully minor and won’t need legal help. However, in the event that your injuries are more serious and you need more help, our team can step in on your behalf.
Liability
Once you decide to move forward with a claim, the first thing you’ll have to do is figure out who is responsible. No matter where it happens, a slip-and-fall accident is treated like any other accident legally. This means negligence is a big factor in determining who’s responsible for your injuries and damages. Usually, if you slip and fall at a Target, the store–and by extension, company–is mostly responsible because they either:
- Failed to keep the store safe
- Didn’t respond properly to reports of hazards, leading to your fall and injuries.
However, other parties could also be responsible, depending on the situation. Usually, this involves:
- Target employees
- Maintenance or security companies
- Product manufacturers
- Government agencies in charge of things like sidewalks or curbs
As you can see, these situations have the potential to be complicated. That’s where our team steps in by:
- Investigating the accident
- Collecting evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing reports
- Determining who all is at fault
- Guiding you through the claims process and getting damages
Just remember, in California, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for damages. Missing this deadline means you might not get financial support for your injuries.
What Should You Do After a Slip-and Fall at a Target?
Even though there’s potential for slip and fall accidents inside a Target, it doesn’t mean that Target and its workers shouldn’t do everything they can to make sure one doesn’t happen–and by extension, that you and other customers are kept safe. By the same token, while you might not expect to be in one of these accidents when you shop there, it still helps to know what to do if one does happen to you:
- Ask for help – First, get any immediate medical help you need. Ask a Target employee to assist you, but if necessary, go to the emergency room or urgent care for more treatment.
- Report the accident – Tell a Target employee or manager about what happened as soon as you can. Make sure they write down all the details of the accident in a report, and ask for a copy for yourself.
- Gather evidence – If you can, take photos or videos of where the accident happened, including any hazards and your injuries. This evidence will be important later.
- Talk to witnesses – If anyone saw the accident, get their names and contact information. Their account of what happened could be helpful.
- Keep damaged items – Hang on to the clothes and shoes you were wearing when you fell, as they might be needed as evidence. Don’t try to fix or replace anything that got broken in the accident.
- Document your injuries – Take photos of your injuries as they heal, and keep a journal of any pain or problems you have. Save all your medical records and bills too.
- Be careful – Don’t talk to Target’s lawyers or insurance people without talking to your own lawyer first. Also, keep from posting about the accident on social media.
Sadly, Target stores often have conditions that increase the chances of accidents. But there are steps you and other shoppers can take to lower the risk. Always pay attention to signs and let a store employee know if you spot any dangers so they can fix them. Target is responsible for keeping the store safe and addressing hazards promptly. If they fail to do so, you might end up in a slip-and-fall situation, in which case you’ll likely have damages to deal with.
Causes and Damages in a Target Slip and Fall Accident
When you think about it, it’s not surprising that slip and fall accidents often happen at stores like Target. They can occur inside the store or more commonly in the parking lots and surrounding areas. However, it’s the responsibility of store management to ensure the safety of customers like you. Here are some common reasons why these accidents happen:
- Slippery surfaces – Spills or moist areas, especially near entrances, bathrooms, or grocery sections, could result in people slipping if not promptly cleaned or marked.
- Broken or torn flooring – Uneven surfaces, torn carpets, or cracked tiles can cause people to trip, underscoring the importance for Target to maintain its floors properly.
- Merchandise or packed aisles – Objects left in pathways can block customers’ routes and heighten the risk of them tripping and falling.
- Not enough lighting – Inadequate or no lighting can make it challenging for customers to spot floor hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor maintenance – Failing to repair loose handrails, broken stairs, or poorly kept parking lots can lead to slip and fall incidents.
- Poor weather conditions – Inadequate provision of mats or warning signs during rainy or foggy weather can contribute to slip and fall accidents at store entrances.
- Low staffing – Insufficient personnel or inattentive employees may overlook hazards and neglect to address them promptly.
- Not warning customers – Target should offer clear signage alerting customers about wet floors, maintenance areas, or other potential hazards.
Damages
Regardless of the cause, when you get hurt at a Target because of negligence you have the legal right to file an injury claim, either outside of court with an insurance claim or within the court system in a lawsuit. This is an official avenue to recover “damages,” which can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- If Target’s negligence was severe, punitive damages could be awarded, serving as a deterrent for future incidents
These damages are crucial for helping you recover after a slip and fall accident, and our slip and fall lawyers in Tulare are here to assist you every step of the way.
Count on Maison Law After a Target Slip-and-Fall Accident in Tulare
When you stop in at a Target in Tulare, you might not expect to have a slip-and-fall accident. However, any number of things can lead to these incidents at many stores. Even if you’re cautious, you or a loved one could still end up in a situation where a slip-and-fall leaves you hurt.
At Maison Law, our experienced team understands the challenges of these situations. You don’t have to deal with them alone. If Target or any other store neglects your safety, we’re here to help. We’ll explain your legal options and guide you through the recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
