You never know when an ordinary trip to 7/11 could land you in the hospital. It is the store’s responsibility to maintain a safe shopping environment for its shoppers so incidents like these don’t happen.
However, it is still a common occurrence, and many people suffer significant injuries as a result. Depending on the severity of these injuries, the victim could be entitled to compensation for hospital charges, income loss, and other related things.
Lawsuits for slip and fall cases can be complex, especially against a big company like 7/11. From dealing with their powerful insurance companies and navigating federal regulations, you will need the help of specialized legal experts like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Our team of experts at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to helping our clients get fairly compensated for slip and fall accidents. With our proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts in these cases, you can rest assured you will receive the maximum compensation.
Fatal slip and fall in a hospital
Knee injury on a construction site
Pelvis fracture on ice at a church
Slip and fall down a flight of stairs
Broken arm at a large chain store
Broken arm and wrist at an office
We conduct an in-depth review of each incident to strengthen the case and fully recover medical expenses and lost income. We help you protect your rights and use our experience to prioritize your financial and emotional recovery.
Understanding 7/11 Slip and Fall Accidents
7/11 is one of the world’s most recognizable convenience store brands. Founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, it started as an ice house storefront and has since evolved into a global convenience retailing giant. With over 84,000 stores in 19 countries, 7/11 is renowned for its wide array of products, ranging from snacks and beverages to everyday household items.
Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents are common in retail environments, and 7/11 stores are no exception. Retail industry reports indicate that slip and fall incidents are among the most frequent accidents in convenience stores.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at 7/11
- Wet Floors: One of the most common causes of these incidents is wet or slippery floors. This can be due to spilled drinks, recently mopped surfaces, or even tracked-in rain or snow. Failure to clean up spills or place warning signs increases the risk of accidents.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting can lead to accidents, especially in confined areas like aisles, entrances, or restrooms. This also increases the risk of assault and battery incidents.
- Uneven Flooring: Damaged or uneven flooring (including cracked tiles or worn-out carpets) can cause trips and falls. This can be due to a lack of proper maintenance.
- Obstructed Pathways: The store is responsible for handling obstructions immediately. Items left in aisles or walkways, such as boxes, merchandise, or cleaning equipment, can create obstacles that customers might trip over.
Common Injuries Slip and Fall Accident Injuries
- Bruises and Cuts: These injuries are the most common results of such incidents, and while they aren’t usually a cause for concern, they can still have some impact. They can be quite painful and, if not properly cleaned and treated, are prone to infections. A deep cut might require stitches. Severe bruising can indicate more significant underlying injuries.
- Sprains and Strains: These injuries occur when ligaments or muscles are overstretched or torn. They mainly happen in the ankles or wrists when someone tries to break their fall. Sprains and strains can be very painful and cause limited mobility. People often require weeks of rest and rehabilitation to heal fully.
- Fractures: Breaking a bone in a fall is quite common, with fractures in the arms, shoulder injuries, legs, and hips being most prevalent. Hip fractures are particularly serious for older adults since they require surgery to correct and extensive recovery time. This type of injury can significantly impact their independence and quality of life.
- Head Injuries: A fall can also result in a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a minor bump to the head should be taken seriously. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive issues, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes, requiring ongoing medical care and therapy.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord from a fall can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or paralysis. Such injuries are life-altering, often requiring extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and reliance on assistive devices for mobility.
- Fatalities: A fall can be fatal in the most severe cases, particularly among older people. Complications from injuries like hip fractures or head trauma can lead to a decline in overall health, and the stress of the injury can worsen existing health conditions, which could have fatal consequences.
Liability for 7/11 Slip and Fall Accidents
Let’s discuss why and how you should establish liability in a slip and fall incident for a successful outcome:
Importance of Establishing Liability
In a premise liability incident, it is necessary to determine who is responsible for the injuries. This ensures that the injured party can recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Victims may face challenges in recovering their financial losses if there is no clear way to know who is at fault.
Determining Fault
To determine fault for a 7/11 slip and fall accident, you must consider the actions or negligence of the store and any third parties involved.
Business Liability: 7/11 must maintain a safe environment for its customers. If the store fails to respond to spills quickly, doesn’t place warning signs, or neglects to repair damaged flooring, it can be held responsible for any resulting accidents.
Third-Party Liability: Sometimes, third parties like maintenance contractors or suppliers might also be at fault. For example, they could share the liability if a cleaning service leaves the floor wet without proper signage.
Importance of Collecting Evidence
By gathering and presenting evidence, victims can more effectively prove liability and receive the compensation they deserve:
- Surveillance Footage: Video recordings can clearly show the incident and the conditions leading up to it, such as an unattended spill or lack of safety measures.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident can support the victim’s account and provide additional perspectives on how the fall happened.
- Maintenance Records: These documents reveal the store’s efforts to maintain a safe environment. Cleaning logs, repair requests, and incident reports can show whether the business followed safety protocols.
Compensation Following a 7/11 Slip and Fall Accident
Here’s what you should know about compensation after a slip and fall accident:
Types of Compensation
When someone suffers a slip and fall accident at a 7/11, they can get compensated for several things to help them recover and recoup their losses. Understanding these types of compensation can help victims and their families navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall accident to receive the support they need to move forward. These include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical care related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: If the injury prevents the victim from working, they can claim compensation for lost income. This includes wages lost during recovery and future earnings if the injury results in long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. It considers the severity of the injury, the recovery time, and the impact on the victim’s overall quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the store’s negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages. These measures punish the wrongdoer, administer justice, and deter similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death Cases
In tragic cases where a slip and fall accident results in death, the victim’s family may be entitled to additional compensation to help them cope with their loss. This compensation usually includes the costs associated with the deceased’s funeral and any associated costs.
The surviving spouse could also receive compensation for the loss of companionship, and the family could file a claim for the future earnings the deceased would have provided.
Additionally, there is potential compensation for the loss of services, which covers the value of essential tasks the deceased would have performed, such as childcare, household chores, and other vital contributions to the family’s well-being.
Factors Influencing Compensation
In slip and fall cases, severe injuries, impact on quality of life, and degree of negligence determine the compensation. 7/11 has comprehensive liability insurance to cover any losses caused by accidents on their premises.
This insurance mainly covers medical costs, legal fees, and potential settlements. However, due to their strong insurance policies, they can be extremely strict against premise liability claims made too late or appear exaggerated.
Comparative negligence could also play a role in the compensation you receive. This legal principle determines how much of the fault is shared between the injured party and the defendant. For example, if someone slips in a store but is distracted by their phone, they might share some responsibility.
What to Do Following a 7/11 Slip and Fall Accident
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after the accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries linked to the fall can take time to manifest. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked out by a healthcare professional as soon as possible is important.
- Report the Accident: Immediately notify the store manager or a staff member about the accident. Ensure they document the incident and get a copy of that report for your records.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the area where you fell, including any hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or obstacles. Capture the surroundings from multiple angles to provide a clear picture of the conditions that led to your fall.
- Gather Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to your fall, collect their names and contact information. Their statements can be invaluable in supporting your claim.
- Save Evidence: You should keep any clothing or shoes you wore during the accident, as they might be relevant to your case. Also, save any receipts or documents from the store that can prove you were there. Maintain your medical records to help establish the link between the injuries and the accident.
- Write Down Details: As soon as possible, jot down everything you remember about the incident. Include the time, date, location, and specifics about how the fall occurred. Detailed notes can help refresh your memory later.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult a personal injury attorney specializing in slip and fall cases. They can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Role of a 7/11 Slip and Fall Lawyer
Here’s what you can expect when you work with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers:
- Initial Consultation: During this meeting, clients will discuss the details of their case and provide relevant documentation. This helps the lawyer understand the incident and assess the potential for a claim, giving clients a clear understanding of their legal options and next steps.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: The lawyer will investigate the accident, hire experts, and reconstruct the scene to understand the circumstances. This helps build a compelling case to support the client’s premise liability claim and prove negligence.
- Negotiation and Settlement: After gathering all the evidence, the lawyer negotiates with 7/11’s insurance company and other parties to secure fair compensation. Most slip and fall cases are settled out of court to avoid lengthy trials.
- Trial: If we can’t reach a settlement, the lawyer will present the case in court. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are skilled in trial representation and fully advocate for our client’s rights to achieve the best possible outcome.
Statute of Limitations for 7/11 Slip and Fall Injuries
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you slip and fall at a 7/11, this deadline dictates the period in which you can take legal action. The time frame varies by state personal injury law, usually one to four years.
Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation, so hiring a lawyer is necessary. They ensure everything is filed on time and help navigate the specific laws in your state so you don’t miss out on your opportunity to seek justice.
Contact a 7/11 Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today!
Slip-and-fall accidents are possible in 7/11 stores and can lead to unfortunate injuries. Luckily, the victim is entitled to seek compensation for the pain and loss caused by such injuries. If you need legal help with a slip-and-fall case, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today!
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form.
Specific Cases We Handle
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