blog home Premises Liability Slip-and-Falls in Shopping Centers: Causes and Liability

Slip-and-Falls in Shopping Centers: Causes and Liability

By stladmin on October 15, 2023

Shopping centers are popular places where individuals flock to shop, dine, and socialize. While these environments offer consumers convenience and a wide array of choices, they also come with an increased risk of slip-and-fall injuries.

In litigating an injury at a shopping center, the term “slip-and-fall” broadly refers to any hazardous defect on shopping center property that can result in accidents. Accordingly, slip-and-fall cases often involve challenging factual and legal issues related to the cause of injury and the nature of liability for the injury.

Common Causes of Shopping Center Slip-and-Falls

Slip-and-fall accidents in shopping centers can occur for various reasons, posing risks to shoppers and visitors. Here are the primary causes that can turn a routine shopping trip into an unexpected mishap:

• Wet or slippery floors: Spills, leaks, or inadequate maintenance can turn a seemingly safe stroll into a dangerous slip.
• Uneven surfaces and hazards: Cracked pavements, uneven tiles, and other hazards present in shopping center walkways can catch unsuspecting shoppers off guard, leading to accidents.
• Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit areas can obscure potential dangers, making it difficult for shoppers to spot hazards or obstacles in their path.
• Merchandise or debris in walkways: Shopping centers often have merchandise displays and promotional setups. These displays can obstruct pathways and create tripping hazards when not properly maintained.
• Insufficient signage: Failure to provide clear warning signs for potential dangers, such as wet floors or ongoing maintenance, can increase the risk of accidents.

Legal Considerations for Shopping Center Liability

In Wyoming, premises liability law is primarily governed by case law, as no specific statutes comprehensively detail the duty of care owed by property owners and occupiers in premises liability cases. While Wyoming does not have a specific premises liability statute, the legal principles and standards related to premises liability have been developed through court decisions.

Under Wyoming law, liability for slip-and-fall injuries is determined by the duty of care shopping centers, and operators owe to those present on their premises.

• Reasonable care: Shopping center owners and operators have a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining and inspecting their premises.
• Notice: If they are aware of or have been alerted to any hazardous condition, they are generally required to take steps to remedy the situation or warn shoppers.

Moreover, establishing negligence in slip-and-fall cases can be complex. It typically involves proving that the shopping center failed in its duty of care, leading to the injury. Shopping centers utilize various defenses to mitigate liability:

• Lack of notice: They may claim they were unaware of the hazard and had no chance to address it.
• Open and obvious defense: In some cases, shopping center owners and operators may argue that a hazard was “open and obvious,” meaning it was so apparent that a reasonable person would have noticed and avoided it.
• Comparative negligence: Wyoming uses a modified comparative negligence system, where a plaintiff can only recover if they are found to be less than 50% at fault.
• Third-party responsibility: Shopping centers may shift blame to contractors or maintenance companies.
• Assumption of risk: They argue that the injured party knowingly faced the danger.

Understanding these defenses is crucial for slip-and-fall claimants. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is essential for navigating these complexities effectively.

Steps To Take After a Shopping Center Slip-and-Fall Injury

If you find yourself injured in a slip-and-fall incident within a shopping center, it’s crucial to immediately take the following steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Gather evidence and witnesses
• Contact a personal injury lawyer
• Report the Incident
• Keep records of communications

Importantly, time is of the essence in slip-and-fall cases. Prompt action can strengthen your claim.

Why You Should Consult a Gillette Slip-and-Fall Injury Attorney

In the legal battle between individuals and shopping centers, it’s often David versus Goliath. Shopping centers have resources and legal teams at their disposal. This is where consulting a Gillette slip-and-fall injury lawyer can level the playing field. Your attorney can help you navigate slip-and-fall cases, negotiate for a fair settlement, and represent you in court to seek the compensation you deserve.

Our Firm Is Here To Help

At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., you can depend on experienced trial lawyer Steven Titus to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Gillette legal team understands the importance of your slip-and-fall case.

We are dedicated to helping individuals like you seek justice. Call us at (307) 257-7800 for a free consultation today.