Stop and Shop is one of the largest supermarket chains in the country, especially in the Northeast, with over 400 locations welcoming thousands of customers every day. While you expect a store this size to maintain high safety standards, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one was injured at Stop and Shop, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s what you should know.
Common Accidents at Stop and Shop
Accidents at supermarkets like Stop and Shop are similar to those at other large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot. Here are some common types of accidents:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and falls are often caused by negligence. For example, if a customer spills cooking oil and it isn’t cleaned up quickly, someone could slip and suffer serious injuries. However, to pursue compensation for a slip and fall, you’ll need to prove certain factors.
For instance, if you were skateboarding inside the store and slipped on spilled oil, you likely wouldn’t be able to claim compensation since skateboarding isn’t typically allowed in grocery stores. But if you informed an employee about the spill and they failed to clean it up within a reasonable amount of time, you may have a valid claim.
Tripping Injuries
Tripping accidents can happen when obstacles, like boxes or loose wires, are left in walkways. While stores aren’t expected to warn customers about obvious tripping hazards (like empty boxes being used during restocking), they should address more dangerous hazards, like loose wires. If store employees knew or should have known about a hazard and failed to fix it, you might have a claim if you were injured.
Equipment-Related Injuries
These types of injuries usually affect employees, especially in areas where heavy machinery is used, like forklifts. If you were injured by equipment at Stop and Shop, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp can cover medical bills and lost wages in exchange for waiving your right to sue your employer. However, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer if faulty equipment caused your injury.
Shopping Cart Injuries
If you’ve ever been hit by a shopping cart, you know how painful it can be. While Stop and Shop may not be liable for cart-related injuries that happen outside the store, they could be responsible for accidents that occur inside, depending on the circumstances.
Do You Have a Case?
If you’ve been injured at Stop and Shop, the best way to know if you have a case is to contact an experienced attorney. These accidents often fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their premises. A premises liability attorney can help you determine if Stop and Shop is liable for your injuries.
How an Attorney Can Help
Not every accident at Stop and Shop leads to compensation. There are many factors to consider, and an experienced attorney can help you understand if you have a valid claim. Here’s how:
- Assessing Your Case: An attorney will evaluate how you were injured and whether Stop and Shop’s negligence played a role.
- Gathering Evidence: A successful claim requires strong evidence. This could include surveillance footage, witness statements, photos, medical records, and more.
- Understanding Liability: If you’re an employee, your case may involve workers’ compensation. If you’re a customer, it’s likely a personal injury claim. A lawyer will explain your legal options based on your situation.
- Negotiating Your Settlement: Large companies like Stop and Shop have legal teams ready to defend them. An attorney will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or a lawsuit.
What Happens if Stop and Shop Refuses to Settle?
If Stop and Shop refuses to settle, your attorney can pursue a lawsuit on your behalf. If the case goes to court and you win, the company may also be required to cover court costs, which is why many companies prefer to settle before trial.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one was injured at Stop and Shop, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Morgan & Morgan has the experience, resources, and track record to help you get the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s a premises liability, product liability, or another type of case, we’re here to fight for you.
Fill out our free case evaluation form to get started today.