An accident can happen anywhere. Even in a well-established chain of stores, such as Bass Pro Shops or any other outdoor store, there is the chance for a slip and fall injury to happen—and the effects can be catastrophic. Your injury can cost you thousands of dollars in lost wages and medical care, and it may not even be your fault.
If you suffered an accident at an outdoor store that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Consider filing a personal injury claim after speaking to an attorney who specializes in these types of cases.
Potential Hazards in an outdoor store
There is always a possibility that you could be the victim of an employee’s negligence while visiting any store. These are some of the possible scenarios in which you could get hurt.
- Slippery floors. Large retail stores may decide that it is easier to maintain their floor surfaces by keeping them smooth and shiny. Sometimes they are polished too well or the store uses a new, but slippery, polish. If you slip on a highly polished floor surface you may have grounds for claiming damages.
- Trash dropped by another customer should be picked up by a vigilant employee. Trash that is dropped on the ground can become an unexpected trip hazard if it's left where it is.
- It is the responsibility of sales staff to put outdoor equipment away once they are finished demonstrating how it works. Equipment that is in the way of customers can be tripped over and you could end up with a broken bone, bruises or even a concussion if you fall onto a hard surface.
- Outdoor stores often have items on display on the walls or even the ceiling. If one of these items falls on top of you while you are passing underneath, you could be seriously hurt. This could be the basis of a personal injury claim.
How an Attorney Can Help With a Personal Injury Claim
Even if you believe that an accident you were involved in was due to a negligent staff member or salesperson, you will need to determine if the person acted negligently. This may be easy, for instance, if you were struck by a falling object and you fell over due to the impact, but it might be more difficult if you just slipped on a highly polished floor surface.
Basically, the key point is that the store’s owner, management or employees must have been aware that a hazard existed and did not do anything about it quickly enough. It is usually advisable to seek professional guidance from a personal injury attorney and, if this is recommended, use their expertise to pursue your claim.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Bass Pro Shops, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
