With the holidays around the corner, you may find yourself doing some last-minute shopping. Many others will have the same idea, leaving department stores especially crowded. Unfortunately, department stores can be more dangerous than you may realize and holiday shopping can result in serious injuries. Read on to learn more about department store accidents in Maryland.
How do department store accidents occur?
There are endless ways for an accidents to occur while simply browsing the aisles of a department store. But, the majority of injuries are due to:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and fall accidents
- Dressing room accidents
- Shopping cart accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Inadequate security incidents
What do I do if I am injured in a department store?
If you are injured in a department store, it is important to take the following steps:
- Notify the manager: Be sure to notify the store manager as soon as an injury occurs. This will allow the manager to file an accident report. If possible, obtain a copy of this report.
- Call 911: The police can send an ambulance to the scene, file a report, interview witnesses, and more.
- Document the scene: While waiting for the ambulance, be sure to take pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur.
- Obtain witness contacts: If anyone saw the accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events. Ask for their name and contact information.
- Seek medical attention: It is important to visit the hospital, your doctor, or an urgent care facility, even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. This is because it is possible to sustain a serious injury without realizing it. Additionally, this can provide you with improtant proof of the origin and extent of your injuries. Before leaving, ask for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
- File your claim on time: If you are recovering from a serious injury, taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind. But, it is important to act fast. This is because of a deadline known as the statute of limitations. In Maryland, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within three years will likely mean losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
If you have been injured in a department store, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED MARYLAND FIRM
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented injured clients throughout the state of Maryland for almost 30 years. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence and require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
