Shopping malls, bustling with visitors, especially during peak seasons like holidays or back-to-school, can become hotspots for accidents leading to injuries. From slippery surfaces to overcrowded parking lots, malls present various potential hazards.
As per recent findings, nearly 30% of individuals who suffer slip-and-fall injuries at department stores or shopping malls report persistent damage such as fractures in the hand, wrist, or hip, broken bones, slipped discs, spinal cord injuries, and even head trauma.
In such scenarios, understanding the aspect of liability is vital. Injuries incurred at shopping malls typically fall under premises liability laws. This essentially means that if a property owner’s negligence to maintain hazard-free premises results in customer injuries, the owner can be held legally responsible for the damages. Read on for more information and contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured and require help from a personal injury attorney.
Obligations of Shopping Centers
Mall owners and managers have an inherent responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe. This obligation does not merely extend to the mall’s interior, but also to exterior areas like walkways, gardens, and parking lots. They must also prepare for and mitigate risks related to adverse weather events, such as storms.
Any failure to uphold these responsibilities can lead to them being held accountable for any injuries ensuing from slips, trips, and falls. Several factors could potentially contribute to such injuries:
- Large crowds of shoppers or visitors
- Overcrowded parking lots
- Slippery pavements or ramps on sidewalks and parking lots
- Floors with hard and highly polished surfaces
- Spilled food and liquids in pedestrian areas
The Complex Liability Structure of Shopping Centers
Shopping centers are often owned by substantial corporate entities, who lease out spaces to smaller businesses like restaurants, bars, and shops. This arrangement creates a complex liability structure. Individual stores or businesses are generally responsible for maintaining the safety of their leased premises, while the safety of public areas like parking lots, hallways, elevators, escalators, and public restrooms often falls under the purview of the mall management.
Understanding Premises Liability in the Context of Malls
Under premises liability, mall managers are deemed responsible for your safety from the moment you enter their parking lot to the moment you leave it. If they fail to keep the premises safe and you are injured as a result, they can potentially be held accountable.
It is important to note that determining liability in slip and fall cases at malls can be complicated, involving multiple potentially liable parties. Therefore, if you or a loved one have been injured at a shopping mall, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and navigate the legal proceedings. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to help you. We understand the complexities of premises liability law and can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 909-982-0707 for a free case evaluation.
