Slip-and-fall accidents in retail stores are a significant concern nationwide. Macy’s, a major retailer in the United States, is legally obliged to keep its shoppers safe by providing a hazard-free environment. Still, anyone can end up seriously injured in the blink of an eye, leaving them with a stack of hospital bills, lost income, and in need of pain management therapy.
Pursuing a claim following a slip and fall incident against an entity like Macy’s is challenging due to legal complexities, battles with large insurance companies, and managing arcane federal bureaucracies.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can adeptly handle the unique aspects of any fall injury claim.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our slip and fall attorneys dedicate themselves to bringing the severely injured accident victims and their families the full compensation they rightfully deserve. Our experienced attorneys have a track record of obtaining large settlements and verdicts in these types of cases.
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 bring a wealth of experience and proven success in managing slip and fall cases nationwide, and we will meticulously probe each event to ensure coverage for all medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
Understanding Macy’s Slip and Fall Accidents
Macy’s stores in different US locations are typically in premier malls nationwide. There are more than 500 locations across the country and an array of products that attract millions in every state. Â
Though no public numbers are available for Macy’s, countless reports—and even lawsuits—have illuminated the pervasiveness of these incidents. For instance, in the past, people filed lawsuits against Macy’s after accidentally slipping on a wet floor or tripping in one of their stores, resulting in damages that could keep them off work for an extended time.
Some common causes of slip and fall accidents in stores include:
- Spills or freshly cleaned wet floors
- Flooring that is not level or damaged carpet
- Merchandise blocking aisles
- Bad lighting makes it hard to spot hazards
- Cracked pavements
The most common injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impacts
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Cuts and abrasions
In the worst cases, injuries caused by falling could result in long-term disabilities or even death. Head and spinal injuries, for example, can cause lifelong pain and functional limitations in mobility, resulting in a lower quality of life.
Liability for Macy’s Slip and Fall Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, understanding premises liability safety obligations and seeking experienced legal assistance is crucial to recover compensation.
Establishing Liability and Determining Fault
Compensation from Macy’s for slip and fall accidents hinges on establishing liability. Establishing who caused the accident is crucial in determining whether victims can obtain financial compensation for current medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses, and other damages.
Without proving fault, victims will struggle to get the justice and financial compensation they are owed.
The circumstances of the accident determine fault in a slip and fall case. As the property owner, Macy’s must ensure a safe environment for its customers. A store neglecting to handle risks like slick floors, uneven flooring, or crowded aisles is accountable for any mishaps it causes.
A further factor is third-party liability. If, for instance, a Macy’s custodial service mopped the floors and neglected to place “Caution Wet Floor signs,” the custodial company and Macy’s may be responsible.
Collecting Evidence
Gathering evidence is most important in determining liability and forming a strong case. This evidence boils down to these critical components:
The best maintenance practices are identified through the store’s records of any work done and whether hazards went unnoticed.
Obtaining the video captured by store cameras can serve as compelling visual evidence of the accident and what led to where/how exactly it happened.
Obtaining testimonies or witness statements of those who may have witnessed the assault is essential to confirm the victim’s account and shed light on dangerous circumstances.
Compensation Following Macy’s Slip and Fall Accidents
Understanding the potential compensation following a slip and fall accident at Macy’s stores and the factors influencing it can help you prepare a strong claim. A slip and fall accident claim can typically compensate for:
- Medical treatment expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
For wrongful death cases, awards can consist of:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Future medical expenses and financial support
Factors Affecting Compensation
Compensation amounts differ depending on several factors, including:
- A higher payout generally results after a severe injury with long-term or permanent disabilities.
- If the damages greatly prevent someone from doing their daily activities or interfere with basic living enjoyment, they will receive more substantial compensation.
Macy’s Insurance Coverage and Comparative Negligence
Like most other large retailers, Macy’s has significant liability insurance to protect it from lawsuits over slip and fall incidents. Whether the settlement will be part of this insurance policy makes a huge difference.
Settlements also vary based on how much liability and fault each party bears.
The concept of comparative negligence will be considered here. When a victim is determined to have been partially at fault for the incident, comparative negligence reduces the reasonable amount of recoverable damages. In these cases, any compensation received is reduced to the extent of the victim’s negligence.
What to Do Following a Macy’s Slip and Fall Accident
What you do in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident is crucial for your overall well-being and the success of your claim. Here are the steps you should take:
- Get medical care as soon as possible and look after yourself.
- Immediately inform Macy’s employees or store manager.
- Take photos, if possible, of wet floors, uneven surfaces, blocked paths, parking lots, or other contributing hazards.
- Take the contact information of any witnesses to the accident
- Keep any clothing or personal items that were damaged during the accident.
- Log your medical treatments, bills, and time off work.
- When talking to Macy’s store staff, never say or do anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt.
- Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately.
How a Macy’s Slip and Fall Attorney Can Help
Here’s how the process of filing a claim with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers would look like:
- Initial consultation where an experienced attorney will review your case in detail.
- Investigation and evidence collection
- Negotiation and settlement
Your Macy’s slip and fall lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to take your case to trial. We will present a compelling case in court, advocating strongly for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Macy’s Slip and Fall Injuries
The statute of limitations sets a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after a slip and fall accident, and this timeframe varies by state. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may have as little as one year or up to several years, depending on the circumstances, to initiate legal proceedings for your slip and fall case.
Understanding and adhering to your state’s specific statute of limitations is crucial for maintaining eligibility for compensation, as failure to file within the designated period can invalidate even the most substantial claims.
Contact a Macy’s Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or a family member was hurt in a fall at Macy’s, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to provide you with experienced legal guidance to get you through this difficult time. Our personal injury lawyers will explore all your legal options, help collect the relevant evidence needed, and support your efforts to secure maximum compensation.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form.