1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard #355, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 268-6898

Trip And Fall: In Shopping Centers And Malls


Shopping centers and malls are designed to make your shopping experience easier. In the biggest of malls, such as King of Prussia, hundreds of stores can
be found all in the same location, offering a wide variety of choices to the shoppers that visit.

Sadly, for some shoppers, life doesn’t become easier after they get to the mall. There are hidden dangers that cause slip and fall accidents every day. While some people are able to get up and dust themselves off, many are not so lucky.

Common Causes Of Trip & Falls In Malls

Mall owners, store owners, employees, and maintenance companies all owe those who are visiting mall property a duty of care. This means that they have a legal obligation to do everything within their power to ensure that visitors to their property are kept safe from foreseeable accidents.  

When this duty of care is breached, the party responsible can be held liable for their negligence. There are many ways in which negligence can result in a slip and fall accident:

Uneven And Cracked Pavement

In Philadelphia, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. Specifically, Section 11-505 states that:

“The sidewalks of the all public streets, and the roadways and sidewalks of all private streets, shall be graded, paved, and kept in repair at the expense of the owners of the land fronting thereon,”

If the sidewalk is broken or uneven, and this defect causes someone to fall and become injured, the property owner may be held liable.

Snow And Ice

Snow and ice are one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Property owners and maintenance companies are responsible for removing these hazards from the sidewalks and parking lots of a shopping center in a timely manner.

Unsecured Electrical Cords

Electrical cords are a common sight in malls. Employees use them regularly to power vacuums, floor polishers, light displays, and more. When distracted by all of the window displays and commotion, it’s easy for a shopper to not notice the cord. 

Steps

There are hundreds of steps inside of any mall – both inside of the stores and in the common hallway. Broken boards, inadequate lighting, and defective handrails can all lead to a shopper losing their balance and falling – sometimes down several flights of stairs. Trip and fall accidents on stairs can result in very serious injuries such as broken bones or traumatic brain injury.

Spilled Liquids

Every day, drinks and products containing liquids spill onto the floor by accident. It can be very difficult for someone to see that liquid on certain surfaces, but easy to fall when they step in it. It is the responsibility of the store managers and employees to make sure that any liquids spilled are cleaned up as quickly as possible, and that caution signs are placed around the wet area.

Escalator Malfunctions

It might seem easy to step onto an escalator and take a ride between levels. But escalators are machines and every machine has the potential to malfunction.

Fallen Merchandise

Clothing, displays, toys, and other items can all fall and create a potential hazard in the aisles for shoppers.

The bottom line is, that if you are seriously injured after a slip and fall, no matter what the cause, you may be able to seek compensation from the party responsible.

Taking Steps To Protect Yourself

Anyone who has fallen should take the following steps to protect themselves – even if they don’t suspect that they are seriously injured at the time:

  1. Ask For Help From Security

Seek assistance from a security guard. Let them know that you fell, show them where you fell, and what it was that caused your fall. Make sure that they file a report and be sure to obtain a copy of that report.

  1. Ask For Medical Care

Request medical attention or have a friend take you to the doctor immediately.While it may seem like your injuries aren’t severe,  some injuries may not become apparent for days or even weeks after the accident.

  1. Take Photographs Of The Scene

If you are able, take pictures of the location where you fell from multiple angles. Keep digital copies of the pictures on file as well as printed copies in your personal records.

  1. Obtain Witness Contact Information

If anyone witnessed your accident, be sure to obtain their contact information. Ask them if they would be willing to write a statement detailing what they saw.

  1. Check For Security Cameras

It is very important that you request copies of any surveillance video immediately. Often this video “disappears” before the victim can get a copy. It may be wise to retain the services of a personal injury attorney who can ensure that this does not happen.

  1. Keep Copies Of All Medical Records And Bills

Keep multiple copies of all medical records, bills, and out of pocket expenses.

The Mall’s Insurance Company Called – Should I Talk To Them?

You should not talk to any insurance adjusters before you consult with a personal injury attorney. Any statements you make to an adjuster will be recorded, and these statements can be used to deny your claim.

An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of making a statement and let you know which questions you do, or do not, need to answer.

If I File A Lawsuit Will I Need To Go To Court?

While many slip and fall cases can be settled out of court during mediation, it is possible that your case may have to go to trial. Our team of experienced, passionate, and knowledgeable lawyers will fight tirelessly for your rights if this is how things proceed.

How Long Do I Have To Decide If I Want To File?

While it is important to always file as soon as possible, victims do have two years from the date of the accident to file a slip and fall lawsuit. If the complaint is not filed during this period of time, the victim may lose the right to seek compensation for their injuries.

Free Consultation

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My experience with Keith Kofsky and his firm was the most helpful and professional experience during this difficult time. The family atmosphere was so welcoming and comforting. If you need an attorney, contact Keith’s and his team for support!
My husband sustained a very serious injury. Keith handled our case with the utmost compassion and true professionalism. He fought hard for us and my husband recieved the maximum settlement. Keith was not deterred by the insurance company's aggressive attorney.Keith was in constant contact with us, and guided us through the process. His staff was superb, very caring and kept us informed, every step of the way. If you want someone who will fight for you, and not settle for less than you deserve, I highly recommend Keith! We can't thank Keith enough. He is truly appreciated.
Hello this is Tanya Bostic my experience with Mr Keith I thank him very much for what he has done for me he deserve five stars I thank him for what he has done may God continue to bless her and enlarge his territory and Jesus name I declared I decree and by my faith I call it done good experience with them thank you.
My lawyer Keith kofsky was a amazing lawyer he took on a case when no other lawyers would have taken on he fought for me stood by me and with me all the way to the end he is a great and awesome man Keith krofty is a man of integrity and strength thank u with much love
My experience with the law office was exceptional. From the amazing staff, paralegals and my attorney Keith Kofsky. Mr. Kofsky worked tirelessly on my case for two years. He's experienced, poised, excellent communication skills and one great negotiator. He had a way of explaining things to me that kept me calm during the process. Keith also keeps his word and is very involved with his clients and cases. We had a very favorable outcome and I can't thank him enough. So Keith once again, thank you very much.
Reaching out to a lawyer, coming from another state, not knowing if they are going to fight for you, I found Keith Kofsky and I was nervous as I had never dealt with a lawsuit before. Keith stepped in as if he were my big brother. As the year went on we had plenty of meetings, all to assure me that we had a case and there were no worries. Down to the last months, difficulties arose. The defendant was not willing to satisfy my case. Keith stepped in as he did all along, and heard what the defendant did not, which helped close out the case. He will go the extra mile for you. Thank you Keith!. Always, Gaynell Allen.
The Philly Slip & Fall Guys has been amazing. Keith was very knowledgeable and had a lot of patience with me. I felt very confident on him and his team as they helped my case. I highly recommend this law firm with anyone who’s been injured from a pothole.
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1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard #355
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