Going to the dollar store in your neighborhood should not end up with you on a stretcher being loaded into the back of an ambulance. This scenario can and has played out at various dollar store chains across the country more often than you might think. Why? Well, some customers of dollar stores have found themselves injured because of trip and fall incidents on sidewalks outside of the said stores. Suffering a trip and fall accident on a sidewalk can result in serious injuries that require rehabilitation and sometimes even surgery.

All property owners, including those who own the local Dollar General, are required to provide a safe experience for their customers. This is what’s known as a duty of care. If the property owner fails to recognize and fix a known hazard on their property and a customer is injured by that hazard, the duty of care has been breached. Trip and fall accidents on sidewalks outside of Family Dollar stores can affect your life immensely as you might not be able to work for an extended period due to the severity of your injury.

Sidewalk Dangers

There are quite a few ways sidewalks can be dangerous to people of all ages. The most common danger is when the concrete is broken or cracked. Someone walking along the sidewalk might not be able to see the hole or crack until it is too late, stepping in the opening and then tripping to the ground. This can lead to a broken leg, a sprained ankle, and even a torn ligament or muscle.

Another common sidewalk danger is when a tree root grows underneath the sidewalk and pushed the concrete up from the ground. If this is not fixed it makes the ground customers walk on very uneven and very dangerous. If not paying attention, or if pushing a cart, a customer might trip on the elevated section of the sidewalk and wind up falling to the ground.

Most dollar stores, including Family Dollar, often have displays outside of the front door of their stores. These displays sell clothing, shoes, boxes of crackers or cookies and various other products that are either on sale or on clearance. The displays are placed on the sidewalk outside of the store. Even though the displays are quite large, and should be easily seen by all, they can still cause a problem for customers walking on the sidewalk.

Compensation for Trip and Fall Injuries

If you have suffered a trip and fall injury on the sidewalk of a Dollar Tree in your neighborhood you might be able to seek compensation for those injuries. When a store owner fails to recognize and repair hazards on the sidewalks in front of their property they can be held liable. So can the property management company. The tenant of the property might also be held responsible. When you file a claim you can seek compensation for the following:

All of the medical expenses stemming from the accident that caused your injury
Pain and suffering
Current and future lost wages if the injury has forced you to miss work

No one expects to suffer a trip and fall injury when visiting a Dollar General or other dollar store. If you do suffer such an injury you need to report it to store management immediately and ask for a copy of the report. You should also seek immediate medical care and then contact a personal injury attorney.

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Trip and Fall on Sidewalks

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What to Do After an Accident?

Report the Incident

Immediately Ask them to create an accident report in writing that documents your name, the date, time and location of the accident. Management should also document the accident using the details you provide. Make sure to ask for a copy of the report before you leave.

Seek Medical Attention

if you are injured. The insurance companies for the dollar stores will need medical documentation to show your injury.

Refrain from Speaking to Insurance Companies

as they will record your call and use it against you later in the process.

Save and Record all Expenses.

This includes keeping hospital bills, ambulatory bills, receipts for medical equipment and medication as well as lost wages. All of these can be included in your case.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

as you could hinder any chances you have at receiving compensation for your injuries.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

An experienced attorney can answer your questions, conduct an investigation, obtain evidence, speak to witnesses on your behalf, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.