Shopping malls are lively places where people gather to shop, dine, and spend time with family and friends. But they also come with a variety of potential hazards, from slippery floors to poorly maintained escalators. If you’re injured in a mall, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Read this blog and reach out to a seasoned Manhattan slip and fall lawyer to learn more about what to do after a shopping mall injury and how our legal team can help if you’ve been hurt in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident in a Shopping Mall?
After an injury at a shopping mall, it’s critical to take certain steps to protect your health and your potential claim. First and foremost, seek medical attention. Even if your injury seems minor, seeing a doctor can ensure any issues are promptly addressed and documented, which may be crucial evidence for your case. In New York, where personal injury laws are strict, thorough documentation is essential.
Once you’ve addressed any immediate health concerns, report the incident to mall management or security. Filing an official report helps create a record of the incident, which can support your claim later. Ensure that the report includes the time, location, and details of your accident. If possible, gather witness contact information, as their statements may prove valuable. Also, take photos of the scene, focusing on the hazard that caused your injury, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or broken railings.
How Do I Prove That the Shopping Mall Was Liable for My Injuries?
To receive compensation for your injuries, you must establish that the mall or its management was liable for the accident. Generally, this involves proving negligence on the part of the mall owner, property manager, or a specific store owner within the mall. For instance, if a spill was left unattended in a high-traffic area and you slipped, it may be argued that the mall management failed to maintain a safe environment.
In New York, property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. This duty of care extends to common areas in shopping malls. If mall staff or a particular store owner was aware (or should have been aware) of a hazard but did nothing to address it, they may be held liable. However, proving liability can be complicated, especially if the defendant argues that you shared some responsibility for the accident. For example, if you were distracted by your phone, they may claim “comparative negligence,” which could reduce your compensation.
Working with a personal injury attorney can be invaluable here. An experienced attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and help establish the negligence of the responsible parties. They will work to demonstrate that mall management or store owners failed in their duty to maintain safe premises.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
