Holiday Shopping? Common Hazards That Increase Maryland Personal Injury Risks

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, as shoppers flood stores in search of festive outfits, seasonal decor, their favorite foods, and the perfect gifts. Unfortunately, the chaos surrounding holiday shopping makes personal injuries in Maryland more likely to happen at this time of year.

Negligent store owners and managers are often to blame. From slippery floors to overcrowded parking lots, our Maryland personal injury attorneys explain more about common holiday shopping hazards and your rights in seeking compensation for your costs.

Common Hazards That Cause Holiday Shopping Accidents In Maryland

Gallup Polls indicate that in 2024, consumers are expected to spend roughly $1,000 each on holiday shopping, representing a significant increase over last year. To get their share of the profits, store owners have been busy hanging decorations, ordering holiday-themed items, and hiring additional help since Halloween.

Unfortunately, amidst all these other preparations, customer safety can end up taking a back seat.  Grocery and retail stores packed with merchandise, decorations, and customers throughout the holiday season can make accidents more likely to happen. Common hazards that pose personal injury risks to customers include:

• Slick floors due to rain, melting snow, or spills;
• Cluttered aisles, making it harder for customers to navigate safely;
• Overstocked shelves and store displays, which can easily topple over;
• Lack of security, particularly during busy holiday sales;
• Dark store parking lots and a lack of stop signs and crosswalks for pedestrians.

When Personal Injuries In Maryland Happen While Shopping, Store Owners Can Be Held Liable

Store owners and managers have a legal duty to protect their customers’ safety. When they are negligent in this duty, and personal injuries happen, they can be held liable for the losses you suffer as a result. Common types of negligence that can cause holiday shopping accidents in Maryland include:

• Failure to conduct routine inspections to ensure the store is organized and well-maintained;
• Failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent accidental injuries, such as using non-slip mats to prevent falls;
• Failing to provide proper maintenance, landscaping, or security for customers;
• Failing to post warning signs of wet floors and other hazards.

Under the Maryland Code, when property owner negligence causes you to suffer serious injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs either by filing a claim against their property insurance or by filing a Maryland premises liability lawsuit.

For Trusted Legal Help In Filing A Claim, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys

Holiday shopping accidents can cause personal injuries that impact you and your family long after the holiday season is over. For trusted legal help in filing a claim, contact Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP.

Our Maryland personal injury attorneys provide the professional legal representation you need to hold negligent store owners and managers accountable and fight to get you the maximum amount you are entitled to for your injuries. To protect your rights, request a consultation today.

Sources:

news.gallup.com/poll/653840/shoppers-plan-spend-000-holiday-gifts.aspx

mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=11-109