Summer is on its way out, which means cooler temperatures are returning to Salt Lake City, Utah. Our autumn nights are notorious for getting colder than expected, which can be deceiving given we see such moderate temperatures during the day. It is these cooler nights and the changing of the seasons that also brings with it an increase in slip and fall accidents.
Slip and fall accident injuries are quite common and happen frequently in or just outside of retail stores. As a customer, you are entitled to safety from harm while on the store's property and the law is there to protect you should you suffer an injury at the hand of the store's negligence.
Whether your slip and fall injury occurred in the parking lot, the restroom, dressing room, aisle way, or entry/exit points, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries sustained as a result of your fall.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), nine out of ten injuries suffered at a retail store are the result of a store's negligence. They have found that many accidents have a traceable reason for its cause.
If you have been injured at a retail establishment, it is best to seek immediate medical attention on site and to alert the police. Be sure to take pictures of the scene, the hazard and of course, your injury. Ensure you acquire the appropriate contact information of any witnesses and note the manager on duty and any other store personnel involved in the incident.
While you cannot seek damages for a slip and fall in a case where the store was not negligent, it is still best to gather all necessary information in case negligence can be proven.
Remember, cooler temperatures and the coming of fall mean slick surfaces. Walk carefully and be cautious. And should you sustain an unfortunate slip and fall accident, be sure to gather all necessary information and contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.