You expect a safe, fun shopping excursion when you visit your favorite shopping outlet or grocery store. However, a routine trip to these locations can leave you with medical bills and missed work if an item, like a sign or product, falls and causes injuries.

Being hit by a falling object can leave you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and years of pain and suffering. You can often hold the property owner or manager responsible if their negligence caused your damages.

If you or a family member was injured in a store due to a falling or tipped-over object, Fieger Law can fight for you. We can prove the store owner’s negligence caused your injuries, helping you receive fair compensation.

Common Objects that Fall in Stores

In retail environments, negligence can lead to various objects falling from shelves, posing hazards to customers. For instance, improperly secured heavy items, like furniture, cause tip-over injuries and deaths every year.

A 2021 report found that there were more than 25,500 injuries requiring ER treatment due to tipped-over furniture between 2017 and 2019 and 571 fatalities between 2000 and 2019. Many of the victims were children under 18.

Other examples of fall hazards include:

  • Improperly Stocked Merchandise: This includes heavy items like electronics stacked too high and household goods not shelved correctly, leading to a risk of falling.
  • Faulty Display and Shelving: Overloaded display units, damaged shelving, and shelves not designed to bear the weight of the items they hold can cause accidents.
  • Unsecured Items and Signage: Improperly anchored electronic equipment, store decorations, or signage can easily tip over or dislodge, causing serious harm.
  • Aisle Obstructions: Goods protruding into aisles or poorly arranged displays can be easily knocked over, creating hazards or falling onto victims.

You need strong legal representation when you suffer an injury due to a falling object. At Fieger Law, our Michigan premises liability lawyers have over 70 years of experience in premise liability cases. Speak with our attorneys today to learn your legal options.

What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Falling Signs or Products?

Falling signs or products in stores can lead to various injuries, from minor damage to life-changing conditions, including:

  • Head and Neck Injuries: Struck by falling objects, victims can suffer concussions, skull fractures, or cervical spine injuries.
  • Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp edges or broken pieces from fallen merchandise can cause deep cuts or lacerations.
  • Broken Bones: The impact from heavy items can result in fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, or ribs.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains and strains may occur as individuals attempt to dodge falling objects or are hit by them.
  • Psychological Trauma: These incidents can lead to psychological distress, including anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Contact Fieger Law regarding your falling object injuries. We can review your medical records, assess the full scope of your injuries, and help you get compensation for your current and future medical needs.

Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?

Under premises liability law, property owners and managers are responsible for maintaining a safe space. This includes routine inspections of shelving and signage, fixing hazards, and ensuring proper stocking procedures to avoid falling objects.

If they fail to do this, you can hold them responsible with the help of an attorney from Fieger Law. Here’s who might be liable for your damages:

  • Store Management: If store personnel fail to ensure proper arrangement and securing of items, leading to accidents, the management is typically responsible.
  • Maintenance Staff: Negligence in regular checks and upkeep of shelves and signage can be attributed to maintenance teams, making them liable.
  • Product Suppliers: Suppliers might be responsible if the provided shelving or signage systems are inherently faulty or lack proper installation instructions.
  • Construction Contractors: In cases where shelves or displays are improperly installed, contractors involved in the setup may be accountable.
  • Corporate Policies: Sometimes, the negligence stems from higher-level corporate policies prioritizing aesthetics or space utilization over safety. In this case, you may be able to file a suit against the company.

How to Get Compensation with the Help of Fieger Law

To seek compensation after an accident involving falling objects in a store, work with our team at Fieger Law. Take the following actions immediately after your accident to protect your rights:

  • Complete an Incident Report: Report it to the store manager immediately after the incident. Provide factual, detailed answers and obtain a copy for your records.
  • Take Pictures: Photograph the accident scene, including the fallen object, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. You can use these to substantiate your claim.
  • Collect Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the incident, collect their contact information. These testimonies can strengthen your case.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. It can help diagnose hidden injuries like head trauma and provide evidence of the injuries sustained and the impact on your life.
  • Call a Lawyer: Contact Fieger Law as soon as possible. We can offer legal advice, help gather additional evidence, and represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings.

Hold a Negligent Store Owner Responsible for Your Injuries

If you’re hurt by falling items when visiting a retail establishment, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Our skilled legal team at Fieger Law represents clients across the U.S. and has won millions for personal injury victims.

Contact our law firm today to set up a free case review. We can go over the specifics of your claim, determine who is responsible, and help you seek the maximum settlement for your injuries.