From restaurants to highways and shopping malls, hazards exist everywhere you go. It’s not something most people think about in a day, but being aware of these potential accident-causing scenarios can help keep you and those around you safe. One of the top culprits are retail stores. Here are the hazards you should know about the next time you go shopping.
Overexertion
Not all injuries are impact-related, with overexertion being the perfect example. Putting in too much physical effort to lift or carry objects can lead to inflammation of your joints and ligaments, which can lead to severe pain. While some may only experience minor pain or discomfort, others can find overexertion debilitating.
Improper Handling of Materials
Pulls, strains, and sprains are also common injuries suffered of improperly handling items in the store. These hazards tend to coincide with larger items, such as televisions. To avoid this hazard, always allow employees of the store to handle these items for you.
Slips and Falls
Spills are common in retail stores, but it’s vital that employees and managers tend to these incidents immediately. When spills are left unattended, slips and falls are bound to happen. These can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and more. Regardless of the severity of the injury, slip and fall accidents are the number one reason for retail store injury claims.
Striking Injuries
This hazard comes from being struck by a falling object or running into something. Injuries received vary based on what the object was, especially when sharp points and heavy weights are involved. While it’s important that you watch where you’re going, striking injuries are often the result of poorly placed products.
Violence
You might think that a violent person in a retail store setting is uncommon, but that isn’t the case. Since it’s impossible to tell what everyone’s intentions in a store might be, this is a difficult hazard to watch out for. If you do see someone acting aggressive, avoid them as best you can.
Low Lighting
While turning down the lights can create excellent ambiance, it also leads to more accidents. Few retail stores attempt to create this atmospheric effect, but those that do put both employees and shoppers at risk for slips, falls, and striking injuries.
Parking Lots
While this area is outside of the retail store, it’s still a part of the shopping experience. Vehicle accidents, being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian, and runaway grocery carts in high winds can all lead to injury. Those are all outside of the possibility for violence. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Seeking Aid
When any of these hazards lead to injury, its vital that you seek legal representation to make a claim against the store. Keep in mind that retail giants have excellent lawyers for these occasions, which is why you need a skilled attorney to get the compensation you deserve. Don’t let others get away with negligence, especially if you’ve been injured.
