HOLIDAY SEASON CAUTIONARY TALES

Like everyone, at Ramey & Hailey we’re delighted that, in pleasant contrast to last year at this time, we’re able to be out and about once more, visiting the mall to shop for gifts. On the other hand, as Indiana personal injury attorneys, we thought some warnings might serve as the best pre-holiday present we can offer our blog readers…

We’ll let the Center for Disease Control and Prevention be the “Grinches” this time. That organization reports that every year, more than 800,000 patients are hospitalized due to slip and fall injuries, many of which happen in stores. The culprits?

• spilled liquids
• frayed floor mats or rugs
• cluttered aisles
• items that fall into walking paths
• poor lighting inside stores or on sidewalks and in parking lots
• equipment operating in stores

It’s not only the customers who are at risk; many of the victims are the retail workers rushing to help those customers. One of the leading causes of store worker injuries – and of fatalities – are falls from ladders.

Just in case – what you need to know and do

You should know;

Slip and fall accidents cases are based on a type of negligence called premises liability. That means store and property owners have a duty to prevent dangerous conditions in and around their premises.

What to do:

If ever you are in a store with a friend or relative and they suffer a fall (or even witness a fall by someone who doesn’t appear to have anyone with them), first be assured that person is being given the medical attention needed. Take photos, take notes, and take down the name and contact information of the store manager.

What next:

If it looks as if the fall victim’s injury is serious enough to affect them for years to come, it is wise to contact a personal injury attorney.

Add caution to your holiday shopping list, taking precautions to avoid:

• robbery
• credit card theft
• slip and fall accidents

Best wishes for a happy – and a safe – holiday season!