Buffalo Retail Store Injury Lawyer
Retail stores throughout Buffalo and Western New York have a legal responsibility to keep their premises safe for customers, workers, and guests. When they fail to do so, dangerous conditions can cause serious injuries—especially from slip and fall accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a store due to a property owner’s negligence, a Buffalo retail store injury lawyer can help you take legal action to recover compensation.
At Brown Chiari LLP, we represent individuals injured in retail store accidents. From local grocery stores to national retail chains, we hold negligent property owners accountable for the harm they cause. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, our team is ready to help you pursue a personal injury claim and secure the fair settlement you deserve.
We offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights and options under New York law.
Common Causes of Retail Store Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere, but retail stores are particularly prone to them. Spilled liquids, poor lighting, cluttered aisles, and uneven flooring can all contribute to a fall injury. Property owners must maintain their premises and fix dangerous conditions before someone gets hurt. Unfortunately, not all do.
Some of the most common hazards in retail store accidents include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Loose rugs or torn carpeting
- Broken steps or handrails
- Icy sidewalks or poorly maintained parking lots
- Merchandise left in walkways
- Inadequate security or lighting in certain areas
If the store manager or staff failed to address these hazards or provide proper warnings, they may be held liable under New York premises liability law.
Injuries Suffered in Retail Store Falls
Fall accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may require long-term medical care or even result in permanent disabilities. Our Buffalo premises liability attorneys have helped clients recover compensation for:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
Even a single fall can cause major disruption to your life, leading to time off work, costly medical bills, and lasting pain. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to a fall in a retail store, it’s important to seek medical care and speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Premises Liability and Retail Store Negligence
Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their premises due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. In New York, store owners and retail chains have a legal duty to ensure their property is safe and free from known dangers. This includes inspecting for hazards, repairing unsafe conditions, and warning customers of potential risks.
To build a strong premises liability case, your attorney must prove negligence by showing:
- A dangerous condition existed
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard
- The hazard was not addressed in a timely manner
- The hazard directly caused your injuries
Establishing fault often requires gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, incident reports, and witness statements. Our legal team works quickly to collect physical evidence and medical records to support your case.
Do You Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?
After a retail store injury, many people ask whether they have a valid claim. If your injury happened on someone else’s property due to an unsafe condition that could have been prevented, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers can assess your situation during a free case evaluation and help determine if you have a strong legal case.
You may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent impairments or disabilities
- Full and fair compensation for your losses
Don’t accept a low offer from an insurance company before speaking with an experienced attorney. Insurers often try to minimize your claim or deny liability entirely. Our job is to fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under New York premises liability law.
Types of Retail Stores Where Fall Accidents Occur
Fall accidents can happen in any type of retail environment, including:
- Grocery stores
- Department stores
- Shopping malls
- Clothing retailers
- Big-box stores
- Convenience stores
- Hardware stores
Whether your fall occurred in a locally owned shop or a national chain, the property owner or operator may be responsible for your injuries. If you were hurt due to a dangerous condition, reach out to a fall injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
Why You Need a Fall Injury Lawyer in Buffalo
Premises liability cases are often complex and time-sensitive. Proving the store’s negligence, preserving crucial evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies requires in-depth knowledge of New York law. Our experienced attorneys understand how to build a compelling case and advocate for your best interest throughout the process.
We have successfully handled numerous fall injury claims and personal injury cases involving:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Improperly maintained walkways
- Tripping hazards in aisles or entrances
- Inadequate lighting or signage
- Hazardous condition on public or private property
As your law firm, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
What to Do After a Retail Store Accident
If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall incident, your actions in the immediate aftermath are crucial. To protect your legal rights and strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Seek medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor
- Report the incident to the store manager or employee
- Ask for a copy of the incident report
- Gather evidence, including photos and witness contact information
- Avoid making recorded statements to the store’s insurance company
- Contact a knowledgeable attorney to review your case
Our team is ready to help you gather evidence, understand your legal rights, and file a timely claim.
Take Legal Action With Confidence
Don’t let negligent property owners avoid accountability. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall or other accident at a Buffalo retail store, our team is here to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call Brown Chiari LLP at (716) 681-7190 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
Buffalo Retail Store Injury Lawyer FAQs
Can I sue a store if I slipped and fell?
Yes. If your injury resulted from a dangerous condition the store knew or should have known about, you may be able to file a premises liability claim. A fall injury lawyer can help you prove negligence and pursue damages.
How much is a slip and fall case worth in New York?
The value of a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress. Our Buffalo personal injury attorneys can assess your damages and pursue full and fair compensation.
What evidence do I need for a premises liability case?
Helpful evidence includes medical records, incident reports, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements. It’s also important to gather evidence from the scene, such as photographs of the hazardous condition.
How long do I have to file a claim after a fall accident in a store?
Under York State law, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years. However, it’s best to consult with a premises liability lawyer right away to preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines.
Are grocery stores and retail chains held to different standards?
All property owners, including grocery stores and large retail chains, have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. The size or ownership of the business doesn’t change their obligation under New York premises liability law.