When you need to go to the store for bread, milk, paper towels or any other item you don’t expect that you will be leaving in an ambulance or headed to your family physician. But, because of negligent property owners, you might suffer a slip and fall accident inside the store due to boxes and crates left on the floor. Pushing your cart through the store while checking your shopping list should not be a dangerous task. Dollar Tree owners and managers are supposed to ensure that their stores are safe for all of their customers and employees. The fact of the matter is that mistakes are made and hazards could be left out in the open that could cause customers to suffer injuries.

Aisles and Floors Should be Kept Clear

It is the responsibility of the Dollar General owner or store manager to make sure that aisles and floors are kept clear of debris and other dangerous hazards at all times, especially during normal hours of operation when the public is present. When there are boxes or crates left in the aisles or on the floor you will need to maneuver your cart around them in the hopes of not getting stuck or tripping on them. Sometimes it can be difficult to see boxes on the floor, which can cause you to trip and fall, leading to minor or serious injuries.

It’s understandable that employees will need to restock shelves at all times of the day at your local Family Dollar. But, any boxes or crates that are being unloaded should be properly marked as hazards with a warning sign that can be placed in front of them. Or, the aisle should be temporarily closed so that the public cannot access it until it is cleared of any and all debris. Even boxes that have been broken down and flattened can cause you to slip if you step on them.

Actions to Take if Injured in a Tripping Accident

If you are involved in a tripping accident at a Dollar General due to boxes and crates left on the floor you should take the following actions to protect yourself:

• Report the accident to the store owner or manager in writing. Provide the date, time and location in the store of the incident. Ask for a copy of the report.
• Photograph your injuries and the location in the Dollar Tree where the accident occurred. Pictures are the best evidence when boxes and crates have been left on the floor.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you think you haven’t been injured you should still be evaluated by a medical professional.
• Avoid speaking to any insurance company, even your own, until you have spoken to a personal injury attorney.
• Talk to a personal injury attorney about the incident that left you injured.
• Document all of your financial losses from the incident, including medical bills and lost wages if the injury has prevented you from working. Keep track of all days missed at work, your hospital bills, ambulatory transport bills and other expenses.

It’s important that you be aware of your surroundings when in a Dollar Tree or other dollar store, but there’s only so much you can do to avoid a tripping accident on boxes and crates left on the floor. You are well within your rights to seek compensation from the store owner or management company for any injuries suffered in such an accident.