Falling Merchandise

Retail stores often stack merchandise on high shelves rather than in a warehouse or a storage room in the back. Many stores do this because it is cheaper, and they believe that they will be able to operate their store much more efficiently if the merchandise is right there. Unfortunately, however, falling merchandise is a serious problem that injures many customers every year. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a retail store, contact Marietta premises liability lawyer Norman Miller at Miller Legal Services for guidance on your rights and options.

Falling merchandise accidents may take place for a variety of reasons, including:

• Items being improperly stacked or secured;
• A customer trying to reach and remove merchandise from a shelf, due to lack of assistance by a store worker;
• An employee dropping merchandise on a customer while retrieving or stacking it; or
• Failing to provide warnings of dangers with placards or signs.

If you have been injured in a retail store, the owner may be legally accountable under the theory of premises liability, which requires that storeowners keep their property in a reasonably safe condition so that those who enter the store are not hurt. Put another way, commercial property owners owe customers a duty of care to take reasonable precautions for their safety.

Under Georgia law, customers are considered “invitees” and are owed the highest duty of care of any visitor to a property. Business proprietors are expected to inspect their premises and make sure that they are free of hazards. If they are unable to fix a certain dangerous condition, they must warn customers about it. Otherwise, they may be required to compensate a shopper or other customer who is hurt because of an unresolved risk.

Falling merchandise, especially heavy or sharp objects, can cause serious injuries and even death. Victims often can receive both economic and non-economic damages in these cases, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of future earning capacity.

If you have suffered the misfortune of losing a loved one in a fatal accident, you may be able to seek wrongful death damages, such as medical expenses prior to death, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship and care, and more. Wrongful death claims are complicated, and only certain surviving family members may file this type of lawsuit. Thus, it is important to act quickly if you are contemplating such a claim.

At Miller Legal Services, we have years of experience holding retail stores accountable for the harm that they cause. You can rest assured that Marietta premises liability attorney Norman Miller will seek the maximum amount of compensation that you may be entitled to receive. We represent injured individuals in Roswell, Smyrna, and other areas of Georgia. To consult a slip and fall lawyer about your case, call us at 770-284-3727 or contact us online for a free consultation.