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The Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday weekend are upon us once again. The majority of Americans are ready to enjoy a home-cooked meal, the company of family and friends, and the best shopping deals of the year.
Countless consumers wait all year for this day to purchase certain items when prices fall to their lowest. Each year seems to bring even more bargains and discounts, and the Black Friday chaos only grows.
At Arash Law, we believe that no bargain or discount is worth risking your safety. Suppose you were injured in a Black Friday accident while shopping. Our California premises liability attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a claim. Our team possesses the knowledge and experience to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other related losses.
Black Friday Sales Gone Wrong?
The Thanksgiving weekend is filled with bargains and discounts at local malls, big-box stores, department stores, and even small local businesses. Black Friday, which commonly occurs the day after Thanksgiving, is a day that often results in dangerous shopping conditions, crowded stores and parking lots, and shoppers who may become less cautious in the busy environment.
Where did the name “Black Friday” come from? You might be surprised that the origin of Black Friday wasn’t tied to massive discounts in shopping malls. Rather, the term was widely used to refer to days of catastrophe. In one instance, Black Friday is referenced as the 1869 gold panic that broke out in the United States, resulting in a financial crisis.
It was only in the 1950s that the term “Black Friday” came to be used in its modern-day context, denoting the day after Thanksgiving. The term appeared in the New York Times in 1975, where it refers to “the busiest shopping and traffic day of the year.” Currently, its meaning has evolved into a frantic and dangerous once-a-year shopping event.
The reason why Black Friday deals retain their popularity over the decades is that they capitalize on the ‘Fear Of Missing Out,’ or FOMO. This psychological phenomenon drives consumers to seize opportunities for significant savings, creating a sense of urgency that motivates them to act quickly. The thrill of limited-time offers and the potential to miss out on great bargains keep shoppers engaged year after year.
Some Of The Worst Black Friday Incidents In The United States
A comprehensive report by The Hustle in 2019, detailing the data behind the phenomenon, found that 69% of Black Friday incidents occur inside retail stores, where shoppers compete for limited supplies of goods. Roughly 20% occur at the store entrance as crowds pour through the doors, while 11% take place outside, where customers either race for parking spaces or drive on the roads tired after a long day of shopping.
The nation’s largest retailer, Walmart, accounted for a whopping 70% of all reported Black Friday incidents. Among U.S. retailers, Walmart accounted for 3.4% of Black Friday foot traffic in 2018, nearly double its next competitor, Target (1.8%). Five other stores (Kohl’s, JCPenney, Toys “R” Us, Target, and Sears) reported more than one death or injury; the rest were isolated incidents.
Although Black Friday offers significant discounts and large sales, it has also been associated with numerous incidents involving injuries, chaos, and, in some cases, even fatalities. The pressure from large crowds, the high stakes of getting deals, and competition among shoppers can create hazardous situations.
Here are some of the worst Black Friday shopping incidents, spanning from the outrageous to the tragic:
Cabbage Patch Riots
The Cabbage Patch Riots were a series of chaotic events sparked by the massive demand for Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. These dolls, created by artist Xavier Roberts and first released in 1978, became a cultural phenomenon in the early 1980s. The dolls had become a highly sought-after item, creating intense competition among parents eager to secure one for their children.
The frenzy reached its peak in 1983 when limited availability and the dolls’ popularity led to widespread shopper mayhem. Stores had very few Cabbage Patch Kids in stock, and when they were released, customers would often compete over them.
A woman broke her leg and lost her Cabbage Patch doll when a crowd of 1,000 turned violent and trampled her outside a now-closed department store in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The manager wielded a baseball bat to avoid facing a similar fate.
Bargain Hunters Step Over Collapsed, Dying Man
When 61-year-old Walter Vance collapsed while shopping for Christmas decorations at a Target in West Virginia on Black Friday 2011, other shoppers were oblivious to the situation. In their rush to grab deals, some even stepped over his body. Although a few nurses and a paramedic at the store attempted to resuscitate him, Vance unfortunately did not survive.
Black Friday Shoppers Pepper-Sprayed
Chaos erupted when a woman pepper-sprayed fellow shoppers at a Walmart in the Los Angeles area, all vying for an Xbox video game console. The incident, described by authorities as a case of “competitive shopping,” resulted in 20 people, including children, suffering injuries from the spray.
After the incident, the woman made her purchase and left the store. She later surrendered to authorities, claiming she had acted in defense of her two teenage children, who had been punched and kicked by other shoppers.
2016 Parking Lot Shooting
In a mall parking lot in South Jersey, two people were shot in 2016. One passed away, while the other was hurt. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. outside Macy’s at the Hamilton Mall in Atlantic County, New Jersey. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, 21-year-old Demond Cottman from Atlantic City was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Glancing At An Attractive Woman Sparked The Memphis Mall Shooting
A man was shot at a mall in Memphis, Tennessee, after checking out an “attractive woman.” He was knocked unconscious before getting shot by the woman’s partner outside the mall. Then, an overexcited bystander, who allegedly witnessed one of the suspects pull out a gun, took out his firearm and started shooting. It was unclear if the man was shooting into the air or at the brawlers.
Destiny USA Shooting Near Food Court
As thousands of shoppers searched for Black Friday deals at Destiny USA, panic ensued when shots rang out near the food court, sending people fleeing toward the exits. Some shoppers took cover in stores as employees initiated lockdown procedures. Shoppers tried to escape before the mall closed for the night, with some waiting for rideshare pickups and others visibly shaken and crying.
Police confirmed that a man was shot in the leg, but no suspects were in custody. Authorities also stated that the shooting was not random and had followed a prior altercation.
Two Teenagers Killed At Sacramento Mall In Black Friday Shooting
In 2020, two teens were shot and killed at a Northern California mall in Sacramento, sending shoppers running for safety. A 19-year-old man was found deceased at the mall, while a 17-year-old boy, critically injured, was discovered outside a bank. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. Witnesses reported hearing up to a dozen gunshots. Authorities believe the incident was targeted and isolated.
2021 Black Friday Shooting
Romeo Kevante Pride, a convicted felon, entered The Streets at Southpoint Mall in Durham on Black Friday carrying a loaded.40 caliber Glock handgun. During an attempted robbery involving another shopper, both Pride and the victim exchanged gunfire, injuring Pride and two innocent bystanders.
Southpoint Mall Shooting
A shooting on Black Friday at a North Carolina mall left three people injured, including a 10-year-old child. As shoppers rushed to flee the scene, three more people got hurt. Police reported that the incident took place on the second floor of the Southpoint Mall, involving a confrontation between two groups who were acquainted with each other.
The Roots Of Black Friday Brawls And Chaos
The conventional Black Friday sale is marked by a stampede of impatient, adrenaline-fueled consumers waiting for the doors of a store to open. Like bulls in a bullpen, they are prepared to purchase what they came for at any price, sometimes including fist fights, stabbing, or even shooting other customers. Other shoppers have fallen asleep while driving at the end of their long day of Black Friday deals, presumably from being up since before sunrise in search of the best bargains.
Imagine being part of a crowd lining up early in front of a retail store for Black Friday sales. What would turn this crowd into a mob? You may even get in a fight while casually doing your Black Friday shopping. What is the worth of the item you were fighting for?
According to the Hustle report stated above, Professor Sharron Lennon of Indiana University surveyed hundreds of Black Friday shoppers and concluded that misbehavior commonly seen during the event, such as rushing through the door or fighting over a toy car, stems from feelings of inequality.
Generally, we expect an “equitable” transaction every time we go to a store, where we hand over money expecting the store to hand over an item in return. This civility is completely lost on Black Friday, as the amazing deals promised can only be obtained through an often unreasonable and unfair process. The man who hits an elderly woman in the face, for instance, wins the hot Christmas toy instead of the woman who stood in line for two hours in the freezing weather.
Why Hire A California Injury Attorney After Black Friday Shopping Accidents
No other shopping day rivals the frenzy of Black Friday. Many shoppers may take more risks than usual on Black Friday in hopes of saving money on holiday gifts and desired items. Unfortunately, the injuries that can occur on this busy day may be serious and have a significant impact on those affected.
Here are some reasons to consider consulting with an injury lawyer in California after a Black Friday shopping accident:
Brawls Over Parking Spots
Parking spot fights are no joking matter. A substantial number of violent crimes occur in parking lots. On regular days, parking spot brawls already pose a significant problem. What’s more, during the upcoming holiday season, when everyone’s goal is to grab the best deals?
On Black Friday, the focus is not on safe driving and being considerate of others in parking lots. Instead, shoppers focus on getting the best bargains available from multiple stores, regardless of the cost.
In 2012, a man and a woman in Tallahassee, Florida, were shot over a parking space dispute. The victims were never able to enter the mall in time for Black Friday deals. The authorities responded around noon. According to the police, the two individuals were discovered at the store’s outdoor garden center with non-life-threatening wounds.
In 2016, at least three shoppers were injured while in a Walmart parking lot in San Antonio. One was a man who simply attempted to come to the aid of another consumer who was being beaten in the parking lot. Sadly, he was shot and killed.
Crowd Crush And Charges
Retailers often create a sense of urgency around these sales events, but the resulting crowded conditions can increase the risk of harm to some shoppers. The fear of missing out on a new discount or items available in limited quantities or for a limited time can cause shoppers to be less cautious.
In fact, many shoppers even go camping outside the stores. One can imagine that some families make it an annual tradition to prep themselves for the chaos of Black Friday shopping right after having Thanksgiving dinner.
Shopping centers kick off Black Friday sales by opening their doors early. In the minutes before the doors open, a sea of buyers surges in and charges, ready to grab onto their target purchase for dear life. Sadly, they push their way forward without considering the safety of anyone, not even their own.
Reports from previous years indicate that trampling has been a cause of injuries on Black Friday. In addition, some past injuries on Black Friday occurred during stampedes at store openings. Trampling can result in a wide range of injuries. Internal organs can be crushed by only 1,000 pounds of pressure, about the weight of six or seven people. When shoppers become overly excited and desperate about a doorbuster deal, the risk of a stampede increases, potentially leading to trampling. Here’s a spine-chilling example of what could happen:
2008 Black Friday Deals Responsible For The Trampling Death Of A Walmart Employee.
At the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, NY, they used their fists and shoulders to bang and press on the sliding glass doors, causing them to bow, despite the efforts of six to ten workers to push back against the swell of the rowdy crowd. According to witnesses and the police, the doors shattered, and the unruly mob stampeded into the store, making a mad grab for the bargains awaiting them.
Walmart employee Jdimytai Damour, 34, fell back onto the linoleum floor and was trampled by the crowd of people coming through the doors. His coworkers were also thrown back and run over. Even though workers were on their way to help him, Damour had already been fatally wounded by the impatient crowd. Despite the attempts of emergency workers to revive the seasonal worker on the scene, he was pronounced dead after arriving at Franklin Hospital Medical Center in Valley Stream.
Slamming Carts And Crushing Boxes
In anticipation of the deal-hungry shoppers that will come, stores stock their shelves as full as possible with bargain products. Despite how carefully they stack boxes, hurried shoppers will start grabbing at any box they can, causing the stacked boxes to become a hazard. Heavy boxes can potentially fall on the consumers below, which may cause head trauma or brain injuries.
Brain injuries and head trauma can be caused by a variety of incidents, including falling, shoving, and intentional assaults. They are common Black Friday injuries, which can also occur from reaching for objects that are too high or because the store employees stacked items negligently. Brain injury attorneys often review these situations to determine whether unsafe store practices or poor crowd management contributed to the accident.
Keep in mind that the majority of the shoppers out on Black Friday are not just hunting for a single item. It doesn’t end with a rush through the front door. Those same shoppers are running to the electronics and home department to pick up all the great deals while they are hot, and then rushing to the registers to complete their purchases officially. Some stores have plastic carts that are more forgiving than traditional metal ones. Be cautious of overloaded carts that can easily tip over, causing shoppers to be knocked off their feet and crushing their arms, legs, or other body parts.
Violent Shoppers
Some Black Friday shoppers can become highly competitive in pursuit of limited deals. They come prepared to defend their “right” to particular sale items.
There is nothing wrong with being excited about a Black Friday deal and a shopping trip. However, excitement can quickly escalate into aggression if a shopper feels threatened by a limited supply or someone getting the last of what they wanted.
It’s sad to say that not all injuries that occur on Black Friday are accidents. As such, fistfights, brawls, and even stabbings or shootings can result from the madness.
Consider the following incidents:
- In an Alabama KMART in 2017, an altercation over a large toy vehicle placed one man in the hospital with a shattered hip.
- At a Walmart in Virginia in 2013, an argument over a parking spot led to a stabbing.
- At a Chicago-area Kohl’s in 2013, one man was shot in the shoulder by a police officer during his attempt to steal a television.
In the Hustle article mentioned above, shootings account for up to 6 of the 11 reported Black Friday deaths between 2006 and 2018. With some shootings, there was an apparent link between the act and a shopping-related dispute, while others appear to be caused by personal conflicts that could have occurred on any other day of the year.
In 2016, cameras at a Modesto mall captured a violent altercation between Black Friday shoppers near a JCPenney store. An argument escalated into a brawl at the Vintage Faire Mall, as shown in videos posted to Twitter and YouTube. A witness told CNN that he did not know what initiated the fighting. Thankfully, security responded and stopped the fight before police were needed on the scene, as there were no reports of injuries to the disgruntled shoppers.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents In Stores
The risk of slip-and-falls increases with the huge influx of people entering malls and shopping centers on Black Friday. For instance, some past Black Friday injuries have been attributed to slip-and-fall accidents. Some of the common causes of these incidents are:
- Slick floors from the rain, snow, ice, and mud that are tracked in by customers from the outside.
- Cluttered items on the aisles that are not put back on their rightful shelves.
- Shopping carts that cause shoppers to trip and fall.
- Piles of trash are thrown across the ground.
- Leaks from drinks, faulty refrigerators and freezers, air conditioning units, and pipes.
- Uneven flooring and other surfaces for walking.
- Loose tiles, rugs, and random wires on the floor.
No matter where you find yourself, you, like every other American, have a fundamental duty to conduct yourself in a safe manner. People who own or manage property have a legal obligation to maintain the property in a safe condition or, at the very least, to provide fair warning if hazardous conditions exist. If there are conditions that could cause a shopper to slip and fall, such as a wet floor or boxes scattered around, it is the duty of the property’s owner or manager to address the problem.
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident on Black Friday or any other day of the year, a California accident lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation.
Parking Lot Accidents
During the Black Friday weekend, parking lots at malls and shopping centers are overflowing with people who have little on their minds other than finding the next deal. This fact often means an increase in motor vehicle accidents. Even at slow speeds, accidents that occur in a parking lot can cause whiplash and other serious injuries.
For example, the Tandel family of San Bruno was traveling home from the Gilroy outlet stores in their gold Lexus SUV after an all-night Black Friday shopping trip when tragedy struck. Nisha Tandel was planning a January wedding. Her father, Arvind Tandel, 48, presumably nodded off at the wheel while driving the family home. He drove into a parked squad car on the side of Highway 101 in Palo Alto. Nisha, 24, and her 20-year-old sister, TaSheetal Tandel, were killed in the tragic car accident. Arvind’s wife, Yogita Tandel, 34, another daughter, Payal Tandel, 22, and another unnamed 12-year-old daughter were all injured.
Furthermore, the Thanksgiving weekend is often linked to a higher number of travel-related accidents. In 2022, 326 people were killed in traffic accidents during the holiday period. As families and friends gather together to enjoy Thanksgiving, they indulge in celebratory drinks. So it’s not at all surprising to know that 35% of the drivers involved in fatal car accidents on Thanksgiving Eve 2022 were drunk. Between 2018 and 2022, 833 individuals lost their lives in drunk driving accidents during Thanksgiving. It’s difficult to recognize drunk drivers in store parking lots until an accident occurs.
Pedestrian Accidents
Stores should be prepared to handle incidents that may result from increased pedestrian traffic during Black Friday. Pedestrians are constantly at risk of sustaining injuries, particularly when negligent people are involved. With the added factor of high foot traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday, this danger increases significantly. During Black Friday, in crowded places such as shopping malls and streets, accidents are just waiting to happen.
Pedestrian accidents that involve a vehicle can result in extremely serious injuries. These include:
- Head Injuries
- Internal Bleeding
- Fractures
- Spine Injuries
- Hip Injuries
- Soft tissue damage
Store Owner’s Responsibilities For Shoppers And Employees
A property owner is responsible for providing safe premises for visiting shoppers. A property owner owes two specific duties to its shoppers (Rocamonde v. Marshalls of Ma, Inc., 56 So. 3d 863, Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 3d Dist. 2011):
- To warn of hidden dangers that are or should be known to the owner and that are unknown to the invitee and will not be found through the exercise of due care.
- To use ordinary care to keep its premises in a reasonably safe state.
Shoppers aren’t the only ones in harm’s way on this notorious shopping day. Employees also face risks such as:
- Being trampled.
- Inaccessible emergency exits.
- Slip and fall injuries.
- Crush injuries.
- Injuries related to the mismanagement of inventory.
- Acts of violence.
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees, whether it is Black Friday or not. (Strickland v. Timco Aviation Services, Inc., 66 So. 3d 1002, Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1st Dist. 2011).
The risk to employees is so considerable that even the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates specific actions during major sales events, such as Black Friday, to protect both employees and shoppers. Their Black Friday safety tips include:
- Hiring seasonal staff and security personnel to accommodate a greater number of shoppers.
- Trained security personnel or police officers should be onsite.
- The use of barricades or ropes away from the store’s entrance.
- Implementing crowd control measures well in advance of customer arrival.
- Making the entrance and exit procedures clear to customers.
- Preventing shoppers from entering once maximum occupancy is reached.
- Checking that exit doors aren’t locked or blocked.
- Ensuring first aid is available for anyone in need.
If either an employer or business owner fails in their legal duties and that failure results in a Black Friday injury, the injured party may have grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit. An experienced injury attorney can help injured victims understand their legal rights and explore their options for pursuing compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Your Black Friday Shopping Accident?
Whether you are a store employee or a customer after a deal, you are not the only one who faces a risk of a Black Friday injury. The first step in exercising your legal rights is determining who may be responsible for your injuries. With so many potentially dangerous situations you could find yourself in while shopping on this “holiday,” you may want to consider shopping in the warmth and safety of your home. If you sustained injuries while shopping, an experienced injury attorney in California can evaluate your case and determine whether you have a valid claim.
Store owners expect massive crowds as the holiday season begins. This is why they spend a lot of money advertising Black Friday sales and hire seasonal workers on the day of the sale itself. You may want to know if these big-box stores could be held responsible for your injuries. Keep in mind that when a business invites customers onto its premises, it has a responsibility to provide a reasonable standard of care to ensure its establishment is safe.
To establish liability and seek compensation for your injuries, it’s crucial to demonstrate the following:
- Control of the Property — The alleged property owner owns, leases, or has control over the premises.
- Negligence — The property owner or retailer acted negligently in maintaining or managing the property, such as failing to address dangerous crowd conditions.
- Foreseeability — The owner or retailer knew, or should have known, about the hazardous conditions but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
- Causation — Their negligence was a substantial factor in causing your injuries.
- Damages — You suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, or other losses, as a result of the store’s negligence.
Sadly, many injured victims are intimidated by the idea of going against a powerful company. They hesitate to seek accountability, considering the legal costs involved, the time required to build their case, and other potential issues that may arise. Our premises liability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us attorney’s fees unless your case results in a settlement or a verdict. If there’s no compensation, you don’t owe us for our legal services. Please note that additional case-related costs may still apply, regardless of the outcome. We will outline this fee structure clearly in a written agreement, which will be discussed during your consultation.
Available Compensation In A Black Friday Injury Case
Apart from the store owner, other parties who could potentially be held liable for Black Friday shopping accidents include:
- Other Shoppers
- Manufacturers of Consumer Products
- Security Personnel
- Local Authorities
- Store Management And Employees
If you establish that a negligent party’s actions or inaction caused your injury, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Disability and Disfigurement
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Related Expenses
In some cases, premises liability may be shared by multiple at-fault parties. For example, a trampling incident during a Black Friday sale could involve both the mall owner and the retailer hosting the sale. The mall owner might be found negligent for failing to provide adequate security or crowd control in shared spaces. At the same time, the retailer could be held accountable for creating unsafe conditions by advertising a “doorbuster sale” without properly managing the flow of incoming customers.
What if the victim played a part in causing the accident? The pure comparative negligence doctrine in California can impact how much an injured victim can pursue, particularly if they contributed to their injuries. Let’s say the victim ignored security instructions or rushed into the crowd; they might be found partially at fault. If a court determines the victim is 20% responsible, their total compensation would be reduced by that percentage. For example, in a case where damages total $100,000, the victim would recover $80,000. This means a victim’s potential compensation is reduced in proportion to their degree of fault.
What To Do After A Black Friday Shopping Accident
Avoiding an injury at a Black Friday event is not as hard as navigating hordes of buyers trying to grab the last 60% off TV on the shelf. However, getting into an accident, even though you’re as careful as can be, is still a possibility. Here’s what you can do to help protect yourself and your rights if you sustain injuries in an accident caused by someone else during Black Friday.
- Check for Injuries — Whether you slipped and fell at Target or another store, or you were sideswiped by another car in the parking lot, you have to stop and check your body for any signs of harm. Call 911 for emergencies.
- Notify the Appropriate Authority — If you were injured at a store, inform one of the employees, the manager, or the supervisor about what happened. Request a copy of the incident report documenting the accident and your injuries. If your accident warrants police involvement, keep a copy of the police report for your records.
- Document the Accident — To support any potential claims, it’s crucial to document the incident and its aftermath thoroughly. Here’s how:
- Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of the area where the injury occurred. Capture hazardous conditions or contributing factors, and note the date and time of the incident in your records.
- Take photos of visible injuries and keep documentation of your medical treatment, including bills and receipts.
- Keep torn or damaged clothing, shoes, or personal items resulting from the incident.
- Speak to a California Injury Attorney — If you sustained injuries while shopping on Black Friday, consult with a premises liability lawyer to determine whether you have a valid injury claim.
Why Hire A Lawyer After A Black Friday Injury
It’s not uncommon for issues to arise during the claims process, such as low settlement offers, disputes over liability, delays, and denials of claims. Hiring a premises liability attorney from a California personal injury law firm is not a requirement, but it can be beneficial in a lot of ways:
- They can help you collect key pieces of evidence to support your claim.
- Your lawyers will handle the communications with the at-fault parties.
- Your case managers will keep you updated about any developments in your case.
- Should the negotiations fall through, they can bring your case to court.
When you choose to work with us, we will advocate for your rights and represent your interests. We’ll work to help you pursue compensation that covers all of your medical bills, lost income, and other related losses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Was The Worst Black Friday Incident?
Black Friday has seen its share of dangerous and chaotic incidents over the years. Here are some of the notable ones:
- In a crowded Toys ‘R’ Us store, a confrontation led to two men fatally shooting each other after a violent fight broke out between the women they were with. Frightened shoppers fled the scene, but no one else was injured.
- A worker lost his life after being trampled as hundreds of shoppers surged through a Long Island Walmart. The worker, an overnight stock clerk whose identity has not been disclosed, attempted to hold back the crowd shortly after the store opened at 5 a.m. A pregnant woman was also taken to the hospital, although police said that the initial reports saying she suffered a miscarriage were unfounded.
How Many Black Friday Deaths And Injuries Have Been Reported?
Black Friday Death Count, a site that scrapes Black Friday-related reports worldwide, stated that as of 2021, there have been 17 deaths and 125 injuries since 2006. While this may not seem like a lot, remember that many more Black Friday incidents are likely unreported every year.
Is It Dangerous To Go Out On Black Friday?
Going out on Black Friday can be dangerous due to the chaotic and crowded shopping environment. The rush for doorbusters and limited-stock items can result in stampedes, which can cause serious injuries like fractures, concussions, and even fatalities. Fights may break out over popular items, and accidents can occur in the frenzy. In addition, crowded conditions increase the likelihood of slip-and-fall accidents, particularly in stores with high foot traffic.
Another significant risk on Black Friday is the increased danger on the roads. With so many people driving to and from stores, the likelihood of car accidents rises, especially in busy parking lots or congested areas near shopping centers. Given these risks, it’s important to take precautions. Shop online if possible, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid overly crowded stores. If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else, our car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, other damages, and losses.
How Do I Stay Safe During Black Friday Shopping?
The only thing you want to spend during Black Friday is money at the store, not at the hospital. Here are some Black Friday shopping safety tips you have to bear in mind:
- Switch to online shopping.
- Be mindful when driving in and out of parking lots and crowded streets.
- Wait to shop until the crowd thins out.
- Be alert to your surroundings.
- Steer clear of altercations.
Can I Sue After A Black Friday Injury?
Doorbusters are synonymous with Black Friday. These extreme deals attract excited and sometimes overzealous shoppers to retail stores early, ensuring they are at the front of the line. Being near the front of the line can increase the likelihood of obtaining sought-after sale items. In some instances, the intense competition has led to reckless behavior, which can increase the risk of injury to others.
Unfortunately, this desperate behavior has caused other shoppers to suffer:
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Dislocations
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Crush Injuries
- Paralysis
If you sustain an injury at a Black Friday sale or any other shopping excursion, you may have grounds to file a legal claim against the person or party responsible for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate your case and seek compensation for your claims.
How Long Do I Have To Sue For My Slip & Fall Injuries Sustained From Black Friday Shopping?
In California, individuals who suffer slip and fall injuries have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. While this may seem like enough time, it’s essential to act promptly and seek legal counsel. Delaying your claim could result in losing the ability to pursue legal action. Our personal injury lawyers can assist in filing your case within the time limits set by law.
Black Friday Injury? Consult With Our Personal Injury Attorneys
If you suffered Black Friday injuries anywhere in the state of California, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney for assistance with filing a claim. An experienced premises liability lawyer in California can dig deeper into the cause of your accident to determine if you have a valid claim and how much it might be worth. If you and your lawyer can establish that you were injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may have a viable case. You may be able to pursue financial compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and physical injuries.
Reach out to our team of trial attorneys at Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or by completing our contact form. We represent clients across the state of California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Pasadena, San Jose, Palmdale, Riverside, Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
