Liability for Slip and Fall Accidents in Retail Stores

A routine shopping trip can quickly turn dangerous when safety is overlooked. Slip and fall accidents in retail stores are more common than you might think, often resulting in injuries that could have been avoided. Whether it’s a wet floor without warning signs or cluttered aisles creating tripping hazards, these situations can have serious consequences. No one expects to leave a store injured, but when it happens, knowing what to do next can make all the difference in protecting your health and your rights.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Stores

Slip and fall accidents in retail stores often result from preventable hazards. Store owners and employees have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for customers, but lapses in care can lead to dangerous situations. Common causes include:

  • Wet or slippery floors: Spills, recently mopped areas, or leaks that are not promptly cleaned up.
  • Uneven surfaces: Damaged flooring, loose tiles, or poorly maintained carpets.
  • Cluttered walkways: Items left in aisles or improperly stocked shelves.
  • Poor lighting: Dim or flickering lights that make hazards harder to see.
  • Weather-related conditions: Snow, ice, or rain brought inside without adequate mats or cleaning.

Understanding these causes can help you identify unsafe conditions and strengthen a potential claim.

What Makes a Store Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Retail stores have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for customers. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for slip and fall accidents caused by hazardous conditions. To establish liability, it must be shown that the store was negligent in identifying or addressing a dangerous situation.

Liability often hinges on one of the following:

  • The store created the hazard, such as spilling a liquid and failing to clean it up.
  • The store knew about the hazard but did nothing to fix it.
  • The store should have known about the hazard if reasonable inspections had been conducted.

For example, if a store employee mops the floor but neglects to place a warning sign, the store may be liable for injuries caused by a customer slipping. By proving negligence, injured parties can hold the store accountable and seek compensation for their losses.

How Comparative Negligence Can Impact Your Claim

In Kentucky, comparative negligence can affect the compensation you receive for a slip and fall claim. This legal principle assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. If you are found partially responsible for the fall, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if a court determines you were 20% at fault because you ignored a posted warning sign, your award would be reduced by that amount.

Because these determinations can significantly impact your case, it’s important to gather strong evidence and present your side effectively. We can help ensure that fault is assessed fairly so you can pursue the compensation you deserve without being unfairly penalized.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help recover your losses. These damages typically include:

  • Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications, and future treatment needs.
  • Lost income: Compensation for wages lost while recovering and, if applicable, reduced earning capacity due to long-term injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: Monetary awards for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life.
  • Other costs: This could include transportation to medical appointments or home modifications for severe injuries.

Calculating these damages accurately is key to ensuring you are fully compensated. We’re here to help evaluate your claim, gather supporting evidence, and advocate for the financial recovery you deserve.

How We Can Help You Pursue a Claim

At Dickman Law Office, P.S.C., we understand the challenges you face after a slip and fall accident. Our team is dedicated to helping you hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. We handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence and documenting your injuries to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. 

Contact an Experienced Covington Slip and Fall Attorney

Slip and fall accidents can cause significant challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. Let Dickman Law Office help you pursue justice and recover compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.