Grocery Store Accident Attorney in Chicago

You expect a grocery store to be a safe space for shopping, not where you risk injury. Unfortunately, accidents in grocery stores are more common than you think. They can result in serious injuries. 

As personal injury lawyers in Chicago, we have seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be. We offer to be a lifeline for those victims to seek justice and serve tirelessly to protect them!

How Our Grocery Store Accidents Lawyer Can Benefit

Accidents while grocery shopping can be unsettling. You might not want to deal with the complicated process of seeking compensation. Our grocery store accident lawyer can handle the legal process and offer you helping hands.

Here are the services Chicago Injury Lawyer will provide:

1. Investigate the accident scene and gather evidence.
2. Interview witnesses and obtain statements.
3. Review medical records and consult with medical experts.
4. Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
6. Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.

Different Types of Grocery Store Accidents

Grocery stores in Chicago must keep their spaces safe for customers. However, accidents can still occur with many people visiting, supplying, and employees working.

Some common types of grocery store accidents include:

Slip and Falls: 

Wet floors, spills, and improperly maintained walkways are leading causes of slips and falls in grocery stores. For example, if a customer slips on a spilled liquid not clean up on time, the store could be liable for the accident.

Trip and Falls: 

Items left in aisles, poorly placed signs, and cluttered walkways can cause people to trip and fall, leading to severe injuries such as fractures or head trauma.

Falling Objects: 

Items on high shelves can fall and injure unsuspecting shoppers. Grocery stores must ensure their shelves are appropriately stocked and maintained to prevent such accidents.

Negligent Security: 

In some cases, Chicago supermarkets or grocery stores fail to provide adequate security, leading to injuries during a robbery or assault.

Parking Lot Injuries: 

Grocery store parking lots can also be dangerous. Accidents in parking lots, such as being struck by a vehicle or tripping over damaged pavement, are common.

Common Injuries in Chicago Grocery Store Accidents

Grocery store accidents can result in many injuries. Some of these can have lasting consequences. According to the Illinois Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), floors and flooring materials contribute directly to more than 2 million annual fall injuries, including in grocery stores.

Here are some common injuries suffered in grocery store accidents in Chicago:

• Broken bones: A slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall can lead to broken bones, especially in the arms, wrists, or legs.
• Head and neck injuries: Falling objects, trip-and-fall accidents, or even slipping on a wet floor can cause concussions or other head and neck injuries.
• Back and spinal injuries: Serious falls, especially those where you land awkwardly, can result in back and spinal injuries, which may lead to long-term pain and disability.
• Cuts and bruises: Falling onto sharp objects, such as glass jars or cans, can result in cuts and bruises, which may require medical treatment.
• Soft tissue injuries: These injuries, including sprains, strains, and contusions, can occur in various accidents, leading to ongoing pain and discomfort.

Who is Liable for Grocery Store Accidents in Chicago?

Like all property owners, grocery stores owe a duty of care to their customers. This means they are legally responsible for creating a safe environment. If they fail in this duty and a customer is injured, the store may be liable for damages. However, proving liability in grocery store accident cases can be complex. In this case, our attorney for injury at the store can help you build a strong case.

Under Illinois law, two primary categories of negligence can lead to liability in a grocery store accident:

1. Premises Liability: 

This refers to the responsibility of property owners to keep their premises safe. A grocery store that fails to repair hazardous conditions, like wet floors, broken stairs, or obstructed walkways. Owners could be held liable if someone is injured due to those conditions.

2. Product Liability: 

If a defective or improperly labeled product causes injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or grocery store may be liable. For instance, a faulty food item that causes an allergic reaction or malfunctioning equipment could lead to a product liability claim.

What Laws Protect Grocery Store Accident Victims in Chicago?

In Illinois, several laws govern personal injury claims, including grocery store accidents. These laws can help victims seek compensation for their injuries and hold the negligent party accountable. Some fundamental laws and compensation acts that may apply to grocery store accident cases are:

1. Illinois Premises Liability Law: 

Under the Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130), property owners (including grocery stores) must maintain their property reasonably safe. They may be liable if they fail to do so and someone is injured. This includes addressing hazards like wet floors, broken sidewalks, and unsafe shelving.

Victims must file these lawsuits within the two-year statute of limitations. 

2. Illinois Comparative Negligence Law: 

The Comparative Negligence Law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) allows accident victims to seek compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were partially to blame for tripping over an item in the aisle, you can still recover damages. But the amount may be reduced based on your level of fault.

3. Illinois Consumer Protection Act: 

If your injury resulted from a defective product, the Illinois Consumer Protection Act (815 ILCS 505/1) provides you with a claim against the manufacturer or seller of the product. This law also allows consumers to file complaints against deceptive business practices.

The statute of limitations for consumer fraud is three years from the date the cause of action was discovered.

4. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Laws: 

If you work at a grocery store and are injured while on the job, workers’ compensation law (820 ILCS 305) can compensate you for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.

5. Illinois Wrongful Death Act: 

If a loved one dies due to injuries sustained in a grocery store accident, the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180) law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit and seek compensation for their loss.

Compensation Available for Grocery Store Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a grocery store accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation under Chicago standards, including: 

• Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the injury’s impact on your life experience.
• Disability or disfigurement: If your injury results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Punitive damages: In extreme negligence or malicious conduct cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

No one should have to pay the price for a grocery store’s negligence. Grocery accidents can instantly disrupt your life. That’s why we are here to stand by your side.

With years of experience as Chicago Injury Lawyer, we understand grocery store accident victims’ unique challenges. Your recovery is our priority, and justice is only a call away. Don’t let a grocery store accident derail your life, contact us today to discuss your case!

Frequently Asked Questions