You Slipped or Fell In Sears. Why Hire An Attorney?
Sears has been a household name in American retail for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a mail-order catalog company to becoming a nationwide retail giant, Sears has played a significant role in shaping the American shopping landscape. Despite its growth, the safety of customers in such expansive retail environments remains paramount.
Victims of slip and fall accidents at Sears may suffer from a range of injuries, from minor bruises to more severe conditions like fractures, head injuries, or chronic back problems. These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Types of Accidents
Slip and Fall Accidents:
These are among the most common accidents in retail environments. They can be caused by wet floors, uneven flooring, poorly maintained carpets, or spills that haven’t been promptly cleaned up.
Trip and Fall Accidents:
Similar to slip and fall, these accidents happen due to obstacles or uneven surfaces in the walking paths. Loose flooring, cluttered aisles, or improperly stored merchandise can lead to these incidents.
Falling Merchandise:
In stores where products are stacked on high shelves, there is a risk of items falling and injuring customers. This can happen due to overstocking, improper stacking, or accidental nudging of items.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents:
These accidents can occur due to mechanical failures, poor maintenance, or improper use by customers. They can lead to serious injuries, especially if there’s a fall or entrapment involved.
Parking Lot Accidents:
Accidents in parking lots may include vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents, or falls due to poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or inadequate maintenance (like not addressing ice or snow).
Accidents Due to Defective Products:
Customers might be injured by a defective product they interact with or purchase in the store.
Overcrowding Accidents:
During sales or holiday seasons, overcrowding can lead to accidents. These might include being trampled, pushed, or injured due to the lack of space and proper crowd management.
Injuries from Shopping Carts:
Accidents involving shopping carts can happen, ranging from collisions with other customers to children falling out of carts.
Electrical Accidents:
These can occur due to exposed wiring, malfunctioning equipment, or faulty electrical appliances on display.
Accidents in In-Store Cafes or Restaurants:
If a Sears store has a dining area, there could be risks associated with hot food and beverages, spills, or broken furniture.
Your Legal Rights and Compensation
As a victim of a slip and fall accident, you have legal rights that need protecting. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our team at Philly Injury Lawyer is skilled in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Philly Injury Lawyer
Our expertise in slip and fall cases sets us apart. We have a history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, backed by heartfelt testimonials. Our approach is thorough, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s unique situation.
The Legal Process Explained
Navigating the legal process can be daunting, but our team is here to guide you every step of the way. From initial consultations to courtroom representation, we ensure you are informed and supported throughout your legal journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a valid slip and fall case against Sears?
People often wonder what makes their case valid. A valid case typically involves proving that the fall was caused by a hazardous condition that Sears knew about or should have known about and failed to address.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident at Sears?
It’s common to ask about immediate steps. These include seeking medical attention, reporting the incident to the store management, taking photos of the hazard, and getting contact information from any witnesses.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after my slip and fall at Sears?
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial. In most places, including Philadelphia, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the slip and fall?
Questions about contributory negligence are common. In many jurisdictions, you can still file a claim even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What kind of compensation can I expect from a slip and fall lawsuit against Sears?
People often ask about potential compensation, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages.
Do I need a lawyer to file a slip and fall lawsuit against Sears?
Questions about legal representation are frequent. While not mandatory, a lawyer can help navigate the legal complexities and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
How long does a slip and fall lawsuit against Sears typically take?
Many want to know about the timeline. The duration of a lawsuit can vary greatly depending on the case’s complexity, ranging from a few months to several years.
What evidence is crucial for my slip and fall case against Sears?
Understanding the importance of evidence is key. Essential evidence might include photos of the scene, medical records, incident reports, and witness statements.
Will my slip and fall case against Sears go to trial?
People often ask about the likelihood of going to trial. While most slip and fall cases are settled out of court, some may go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
How is fault determined in a slip and fall accident at Sears?
Questions about establishing fault are common. Fault is typically determined by showing that Sears had a duty to maintain a safe environment and breached that duty, leading to the accident.
How long after an accident do I have to file a case?
Philadelphia, the statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit in slip and fall cases. This is important to know because if you miss this deadline, you usually can’t bring your case to court. Let’s break it down:
Firstly, in Philadelphia, like in the rest of Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the slip and fall accident to start a lawsuit. This means if you fell and got hurt, you need to file your lawsuit within two years from the day the accident happened.
However, there are exceptions. Sometimes, you might not realize you’re injured right away. In such cases, the two-year countdown might start from the day you discover your injury, not the day of the accident. This is known as the “discovery rule.”
Also, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations doesn’t start until they turn 18. This means a young person has until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit for a slip and fall accident that happened when they were under 18.
It’s essential to act quickly after a slip and fall accident. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and witnesses may forget details. Plus, you don’t want to miss the deadline for legal action.
In summary, the statute of limitations is a critical aspect to consider after a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia. If you’re injured in such an accident, it’s wise to speak with our lawyers as soon as possible to understand your rights and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
Call Our Attorneys For A Free Consultation
We invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Contact us to discuss your case and learn how we can help you achieve the compensation you deserve.