California Safeway Market Slip And Fall Lawyers
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California Safeway Market Slip And Fall Lawyers Provide Clarity After An Injury
Slip and fall accidents happen at Safeway. Although many people see these incidents as nothing but “an embarrassing inconvenience,” these accidents sometimes lead to severe injuries that can negatively impact your life. Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers can help you pursue potential compensation for your losses. Contact us at (888) 488-1391.
With over 200 stores in the Golden State, Safeway provides fresh produce and quality products for Californians. However, it’s not just merchandise that fills the supermarket. Hidden in every corner are potential hazards that can cause a shopper to trip, slip, or fall. From pooling water in the meat department to cluttered grocery items on the aisle floor, many things inside Safeway can cause slip and fall accidents.
Our lawyers, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are here to help if you or your loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident at Safeway Market. The supermarket chain might be a Fortune 500 company, but our attorneys are prepared to handle cases involving such entities. We are committed to helping you pursue a fair settlement offer under California law.
How Do I Find Skilled Safeway Market Slip And Fall Lawyers Near Me?
When you’re injured in a Safeway store because of wet floors, poorly stacked grocery items, or other hazards, you may want to find experienced slip and fall accident lawyers near you. Doing the following can help you:
- Check out local directories to find good attorneys in your area. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Avvo provide ratings and reviews from past clients, which can help you make an informed decision.
- See what your community recommends. Personal referrals are also helpful in finding trustworthy and effective Safeway slip and fall accident attorneys.
- Reach out to the California State Bar Association or your local county bar association for a list of experienced slip and fall accident attorneys in your area. They can provide recommendations and information on attorneys’ credentials and specialties.
Why Do You Need Help From Our Slip And Fall Attorneys?
Dealing with injuries from a slip and fall is tough enough without dealing with large corporations. Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers in California can help you advocate for your rights so you can focus on your recovery. Here are more reasons to choose our California slip and fall injury lawyers:
- Knowledge of Personal Injury Laws — Our slip and fall lawyers understand personal injury law as well as premises liability laws. We will use this knowledge to help you build your case.
- Experience in Negotiations — Unfortunately, liable parties may attempt to settle claims for the lowest possible amount. Our slip and fall accident lawyers are skilled negotiators who leverage their experience to help protect your rights. We can challenge lowball offers from Safeway and try to reach a fair compensation based on the facts of your case.
- Protection Against Insurance Companies — Claims adjusters may try to pay as little as possible or avoid paying altogether. They may shift the blame onto you and force you to take responsibility for the incident. Our slip and fall injury attorneys will work to protect you from tactics designed to shift blame.
- Doing All the Legwork for You — Many victims miss the opportunity to file a claim because they wait until they fully recover. After all, who wants to move around with a painful wound or broken bone? Our injury attorneys can take the legal burden off your shoulders and act on your behalf. With our help, you can start a claim as soon as possible while you prioritize your recovery.
Not sure if you have a valid claim? Our lawyers handle Safeway Market slip and fall accident cases and can assess your situation.
What Is A Safeway Supermarket?
Safeway is a major supermarket chain in the United States. Founded in 1915 by M.B. Skaggs, the company began as a small grocery store that offered value through low-profit margins. This strategy proved successful, as after a decade, over 400 establishments were opened in ten states under the name Skaggs United Stores. In 1926, the businessman merged his company with 322 stores built by Sam Seelig, creating the foundation for the supermarket chain we know today.
By the 1930s, Safeway supermarket chains sold produce by the pound. It also added nutritional labeling and “sell by” dates to perishables so shoppers get the freshest items. Today, Safeway is a subsidiary of Albertsons Companies, one of the biggest food and drug retailers in the United States.
The supermarket chain is well-known across the state for its grocery and food items. It’s a corporate giant with unlimited resources, which is why many accident victims are afraid of standing up against it. Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers in California will advocate for your rights regardless of how large a negligent company is.
$3,000,000.00
Settlement in a slip and fall case versus Jiffy Lube; client suffered spinal injuries.– Judd Ross Allen
Common Causes Of Slips And Falls At Safeway
Slip and fall accidents happen at grocery stores for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers have encountered:
Grocery Items As Hazards
Safeway is filled with slipping and tripping hazards that most shoppers rarely consider. Among them are the very products the supermarket sells.
Shoppers or employees can drop items like jars of salad dressing or pickles on the floor. Once broken, their contents can become slip hazards. There’s also the added danger of broken glass shards from their containers. These sharp fragments can penetrate your skin and cause pain. The larger pieces can even cause severe lacerations that may require stitches.
Wet And Slippery Floors
Most of the time, employees are quick to clean up after shoppers. They mop the floor and attempt to remove sticky or slippery residues. However, to help maintain customer safety, they should also place clear and visible warning signs whenever a floor is wet. Failure to warn customers about a slippery surface could potentially constitute negligence, and our California slip and fall lawyers can assess whether this may provide grounds to file a claim against Safeway Market.
Fallen Signage
Safeway stores rely on various signage, from aisle markers to promotional displays, to guide and inform customers. These signs are usually securely mounted in strategic locations. However, they could become potential hazards if they fall due to a lack of maintenance or improper hanging. Fallen signs pose a double threat to unsuspecting shoppers. Not only could people trip or slip on them, but they could also directly hit someone, causing painful head injuries.
Cluttered Boxes
Employees sometimes restock items during store hours, so you might see some empty boxes in the aisles. These boxes should be disposed of properly or placed out of the way near the sides. If employees leave them unattended and cluttered, shoppers can trip on them, leading to injuries that can incapacitate them.
Leaks And Pooling Water
Safeway has fridges that keep fresh products like meat and seafood frozen. However, food particles can clog the drain hoses, and leaks may develop in the water lines, leading to water pooling on the floor. If the employees don’t resolve these issues immediately and cause a slip and fall accident at Safeway Market, you may be able to file a claim.
Spilled Food And Drinks
Aside from grocery items and merchandise, Safeway Market is also known for its deli section. Shoppers can buy pre-cooked meals, salads, sandwiches, meats, and cheese. Most Safeway branches also have Starbucks for the guests’ caffeine needs. Unfortunately, shoppers can spill drinks or food items on the floor, which poses a great risk to others. Spillage can cause slip and fall accidents in the restaurant inside the store if employees don’t clean them quickly.
Uneven Flooring
Uneven surfaces are a major cause of tripping and falling accidents. Safety hazards, such as chipped flooring and lifted tiles, don’t only exist inside the supermarket. Even parking lots and walkways are prone to pavement cracks or potholes.
Safeway management has a responsibility to address and fix these issues. They are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their guests inside and outside the supermarket. Even a trip and fall in the parking lot could be potential grounds for a claim. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall at Safeway, consult with our slip and fall lawyers to see if you have a valid case for compensation.
Inadequate Lighting
Slipping and tripping happen more often in dark areas where guests are unable to detect dangerous situations. That’s why every establishment needs adequate lighting. Safeway should keep its vicinity well-lit, helping customers see their surroundings well and avoid hazards they see.
Common Injuries In A Slip And Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a variety of moderate-to-severe injuries, including the following:
- Fractures — Breaking a fall or its impact can break the bones. Minor fractures, or hairline cracks in the bones, heal on their own after a few weeks or months. However, severe cases involve complete breaks that might need surgery and take months or years to heal completely. Regardless of the severity, fractures are painful and limit mobility, affecting the victim’s ability to work during recovery.
- Sprains and Strains — Damage to the tendons, ligaments, or muscles is often considered a mild injury. However, it can still be extremely painful and uncomfortable, limiting one’s mobility and ability to work. In severe cases, surgery and physical therapy might be necessary, leading to increased medical expenses.
- Contusions — Commonly known as bruises, contusions happen when a fall breaks small blood vessels under the skin and causes internal bleeding. They are usually painful and can lead to stiffness in the affected area. While uncommon, the effects of severe bruises can be permanent.
- Head Injuries — These include traumatic brain injury (TBI) and skull fractures. Head injuries can have temporary to permanent physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Not only can these issues incapacitate the victim, but they can also affect their relationships with other people.
- Lacerations — Mild to moderate lacerations may only require at-home first aid or stitches. However, severe cases require immediate medical attention to prevent blood loss and potential complications.
Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers can connect clients with medical providers across California. We assist our clients who are looking for medical liens if they cannot pay for their treatment. By doing so, they can receive the medical care they need while pursuing their case.
How To Establish Negligence
To successfully file a claim against the supermarket, you need to establish negligence. Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers will conduct an investigation to demonstrate the required elements of negligence, which are:
- Duty of Care — Supermarkets have a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for their customers.
- Breach of Duty — The supermarket breached this duty by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent your slip and fall. This could include failing to clean up spills, not placing warning signs about wet floors, or having uneven flooring.
- Causation — The supermarket’s breach of duty directly caused your slip and fall accident.
- Damages — You suffered injuries or losses as a result of the accident. This could include medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Not everyone who slips and falls is eligible for compensation. Our California attorneys will explain when you may hold someone liable for a slip and fall accident at Safeway Market.
When Can You Hold Safeway Liable For Your Slip And Fall Injury?
Injured victims can hold Safeway liable for a slip and fall accident if there is negligence on the supermarket’s side. Here are some examples of negligence:
Failure To Maintain Safe Premises
Every establishment must keep its premises safe to avoid harming shoppers. Failure to do so leads to a breach of that responsibility. Examples include:
- Failure to repair chipped or lifted tiles, potholes, old carpeting, and uneven flooring.
- Failure to provide adequate lighting or replace old and broken light fixtures.
Failure To Warn Of Hazards
Safeway is expected to be aware of dangerous conditions on its premises. The management present should address these issues and warn its guests of these dangers.
If a customer spills coffee and employees clean it up quickly but don’t put up warning signs, a shopper might not realize the floor is wet. The shopper could slip, fall, and hurt themselves. They may need surgery and time off work. In this scenario, our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers can help the victim file a claim against the store.
Negligent Employee Actions
Safeway employees are responsible for promptly addressing safety hazards. For example, they must clean the floors if there are water pools or spilled liquids. If an employee fails to take action and someone gets hurt, Safeway could be liable for the victim’s injuries. Their failure to address the hazard promptly constitutes negligence.
If you believe you have a case, consult with our California Safeway Market slip and fall attorneys. After a free case review, we can help you file a claim and seek potential compensation for damages.
What Is Comparative Negligence, And How Does It Affect My Safeway Slip And Fall Case?
California follows the pure comparative negligence rule. This legal doctrine means that even if you were partly to blame for your slip and fall, you might still be eligible for compensation. The key factor is determining the percentage of fault for each party involved.
For example, the victim entered an area the company was renovating despite a warning sign. They tripped and suffered a head injury. The court decided that the victim was 20% to blame. Under the comparative negligence rule, the court would reduce its damages award accordingly. So, if the damages were worth $100,000, they would only receive $80,000.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies use this rule to minimize payouts. They may take advantage of your vulnerability to shift the blame to you. Nevertheless, our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers are here to guide you. We will guide you so that you are not pressured by insurance companies to say things that may jeopardize your claim.
Who Is Liable In A Safeway Market Slip And Fall Accident?
The most common defendant in a Safeway slip and fall accident is the company itself. Under California’s “respondeat superior” law, Safeway may be held liable for accidents caused by employees acting within the scope of their employment. However, employees who act with malicious intent for their own gain can be held directly liable instead of the company.
The store may still be liable even when a shopper causes a slipping or tripping hazard, such as spilling water on the floor. Guests expect the supermarket chain to resolve the issue as soon as it happens and maintain a safe environment for them. Nevertheless, the victim may also file a claim against another shopper, who could be partially liable for the accident.
Types Of Safeway Market Slip And Fall Compensation
Injury victims can pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages, depending on the facts of their case. To understand these damages further, here’s a closer look at each:
Economic Damages
These are the tangible financial losses incurred in the accident. Skilled Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers can prove them through invoices, bills, and receipts. They include the following:
- Medical expenses, including past and future treatments and medications
- Therapies and rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Reduced earning ability
- Childcare
- Nursing home care
- Home modifications to cater to disability
Non-Economic Damages
Also known as intangible losses, non-economic damages are subjective and do not have an exact value attached to them. To quantify these damages, our experienced lawyers handling Safeway Market slip and fall accidents may collaborate with credible experts such as psychiatrists, medical doctors, and economists. We focus on the impact these losses have on your life.
Non-economic damages include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Temporary or permanent disabilities
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
These are damages that the court awards to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. However, the court rarely awards these damages. Typically, the plaintiff’s side has to prove gross negligence and malicious intent.
Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers in California can help provide an estimate of potential compensation. They can also review the details of your case.
What To Do After A Safeway Market Slip And Fall Accident
After the shock of slipping subsides, there are important steps you need to take to protect your rights and well-being. Here are some tips our attorneys encourage you to follow after a Safeway Market slip and fall accident:
- Check yourself for any injuries and seek immediate medical attention. You can ask an employee or the store manager for a first-aid kit. You may also call 911 for emergency services.
- Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of your injuries and surroundings, especially the cause of the accident. Check for missing warning signs.
- Get the information of witnesses, including their names and contact details. Ask them if they are willing to testify. You may also take audio recordings of your conversations.
- Report the incident to the store manager and request a copy of the report.
- Seek further medical care to get a full assessment of your injuries. Follow any treatment plans advised by your doctor and stay consistent with them.
- Keep receipts, bills, invoices, reports, and records regarding your injuries and the accident. These documents are important pieces of evidence that can help substantiate your claim and demonstrate the financial impact of your injuries.
- Make a journal of your experience. Rate your pain, describe any discomfort, and write down all your thoughts. Memories can fade over time, so having a journal to track the accident’s impact can help you prove its consequences.
- Contact our personal injury law firm at (888) 488-1391. Our Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers will explain your rights and answer any concerns you might have.
Slip And Fall Statistics
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for eight million hospital emergency room visits. Meanwhile, slips and falls are responsible for one million visits. Five percent of victims sustain fractures, which are among the most serious consequences of a fall. Hip fractures are the most dangerous and often result in more serious health issues.
Statistics also revealed that most slip and fall accident victims are older people. Accordingly, one in every three people aged 65 and up experiences a fall. The likelihood of slipping, tripping, or falling increases with each decade of life.
Additionally, floors and flooring materials contribute to two million fall injuries each year. This figure emphasizes the crucial need for Safeway and other supermarket chains to pay attention to and maintain their flooring properly.
Although the data highlights the seriousness of the issue, some Safeway employees might still neglect to address slipping and tripping hazards. If your loved one has suffered from a recent slip and fall accident at Safeway Market, our California injury lawyers can help you explore your legal options.
FAQs About Safeway Market Slip And Fall Accidents
I Slipped And Fell At A Safeway Store Because Of A Wet Floor, And I Sustained A Minor Injury. Who Is Responsible?
If your injury resulted from Safeway’s negligence, they may be responsible for your medical bills and income loss. As a store owner, Safeway is responsible for its guests’ safety. If there is water on the floor, Safeway has a duty to maintain a safe environment for its customers. This includes cleaning up spills and placing warning signs for slippery surfaces.
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Slip And Fall Claim?
Victims generally have two years from the day of their slip and fall accident to file a personal injury claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you file a claim after this period, the court will reject your case unless there is a valid reason.
For example, the victim can file a case a year after the late discovery of an injury. Meanwhile, minors can wait until they turn 18 to file a claim. Once they reach legal age, they will have the same two-year window to start the process.
Working with experienced Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers as soon as possible can help track these deadlines.
How Much Is My Safeway Market Slip And Fall Case Worth?
The value of a slip and fall case depends on different factors. It’s hard to determine how much your case is worth without knowing the facts. During your consultation with our lawyers for Safeway Market slip and fall cases, we may discuss the following with you:
- The full extent of your injuries.
- Past and present medical bills related to the accident.
- Future medical care.
- Current job and how the accident affected your livelihood.
- Amount of income lost because of the accident.
- Ability to work after the injury.
Our job as your legal representative is to help you prove these damages and negotiate for a just settlement.
What Is The Average Payout For A Slip And Fall Case?
Since a case’s value depends on different factors, it’s hard to pinpoint an average payout for these claims. The value of your claim depends on many factors, and each slip and fall case is unique.
Nevertheless, our team of California lawyers can handle cases involving Safeway Market slip and fall accidents. We can assist you in obtaining just compensation for your losses. Payouts for every case may vary, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. As such, talking to your lawyer about your specific case can give you a better idea of your potential payout.
Can I Accept Safeway’s Offer Without An Attorney?
We strongly discourage accepting the company’s initial offer without an injury attorney. Safeway and its insurer may offer a quick initial settlement offer. The amount may seem enticing to some, especially those who think they don’t have a case. However, these amounts might be too low to cover all your damages.
Our lawyers handling Safeway Market slip and fall cases will work towards pursuing a favorable outcome for your case. We will estimate how much your case is worth and see if what they’re offering is enough.
Do I Need An Attorney To Sue Safeway?
Although there’s no law saying you can’t represent yourself in a Safeway insurance lawsuit, we encourage victims to retain an accident attorney. Slip and fall accident cases get complex, especially against big corporations with endless resources. They have a team of professionals who could dispute everything you say to avoid payment. Having knowledgeable and competent slip and fall accident attorneys by your side can be beneficial for your case.
I’m Suffering Severe Injuries Related To My Safeway Slip And Fall Accident. Can I Seek Compensation For Medical Expenses?
Yes, medical expenses are economic damages that you could pursue if you have a valid claim. Make sure you get a consultation with a doctor to evaluate your injuries thoroughly. To support your claim, gather and file any medical expense-related documents.
If you are on a medical lien, our California Safeway Market slip and fall lawyers will include this in the demand letter.
Will My Safeway Market Injury Case Go To Trial?
Many claims are settled without going to court. However, if a just settlement cannot be reached, our experienced attorneys are prepared to pursue a Safeway Market slip and fall accident lawsuit on your behalf.
Consult With Our Safeway Market Slip And Fall Lawyers In California
Don’t consider every slip and fall accident a clumsy mistake. Sometimes, these incidents are the result of someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one was injured after slipping, tripping, or falling at a Safeway Market, our California slip and fall injury lawyers can guide you on your next steps. We’ll help you pursue compensation you may have the right to under California law.
We understand the struggle of injured victims. You may be going through the pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, as well as handling costly medical treatments. To ease this burden, our accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This agreement means you can seek legal help without paying upfront attorney fees.
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer in California,” Arash Law is ready to assist you. Our firm has slip and fall attorneys, car accident lawyers, and other personal injury lawyers who handle various accident cases. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Our lawyers serve Safeway Market slip and fall accident victims in Alameda, Los Angeles, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Pacifica, Vallejo, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Roseville, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Chico, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Fremont, and the rest of California.
