Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania
Fall Due To Misplaced Boxes
My question is if I fell in a chain retail store over some boxes which were stacked in the aisle that didnt even belong in that aisle (meaning their contents were located in another aisle) If I fell, hurt my head & other parts is there a possible suit? Many tell me yes being there isnt supposed to be boxes in the middle of an aisle unattended during business hours. I want to find out from a professional my options & if I can pursue this any further. Thank you.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Fall Due To Misplaced Boxes
In order to win, you'd have to have a good explanation why you didn't see the boxes and avoid them. Winning is possible, but difficult. If you want to discuss, go to my website (www.senker.com) for the phone # (we're not permitted to give our phone numbers in our replies).
Richard Senker
Re: Fall Due To Misplaced Boxes
you may have a case. There are proper methods for placing boxes n a coercial establishment. I do not know off hand whether your situation applies. You should hire an attorney to look into the case.
Re: Fall Due To Misplaced Boxes
It always depends on the facts, but it certainly sounds like you have a case. Your status as a person in a store is that of a "business invitee". A business owner has certain other responsibilities to the public in general. For example, if you own a business and someone comes into your premises to purchase something and is injured on your premises that person would be considered a business invitee. The duty owed to a business invitee is of the highest responsibility. The reason for this is, if you operate a business and a welcomed customer comes into your business, you have an absolute obligation to make sure your premises is free of defects and is safe for the public as a whole. If there are any defects on your property you not only have an absolute duty to warn the public of the defect but you also have a duty to repair any dangerous conditions which exist on your premises.
So, certainly the duty is there on behalf of the owner. At this point, the most important thing you should do is (1) treat with your phsyician; and (2) call an attorney. We can either help you on a (no fee unless you win) basis or find you someone who can help you.