South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
Employers and business owners have an obligation to protect the health and safety of employees and guests as Black Friday kicks off the start of the holiday shopping season.
Our Fort Port St. Lucie injury attorneys understand there are many causes of injury during the hectic holiday shopping season, including workers’ compensation claims, slip and fall accidents and premise liability claims in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida.
In fact, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has issued a warning to the nation’s largest retailers, reminding them that they are responsible for the safety of employees during sales events meant to draw large crowds for Black Friday. An employee was trampled to death at such an event in 2008.
Among the safety tips the government provides:
-Use trained security or crowd-management personnel.
-Have a detailed staffing plan and ensure workers are properly trained.
-Contact local safety officials to make sure events properly comply with requirements.
-Use signs and other crowd control measures.
-Have an emergency plan.
Business owners and managers are equally responsible for the safety of guests. Injuries to guests during the holiday shopping season may include:
-Elevator or escalator accidents
-Parking lot injuries
-Slip, trip and fall accidents
-Assault or negligent security injuries
-Merchandise falling from high shelves
-Injuries caused by large crowds
-Accidents or injuries caused by inadequate lighting
When you or a loved one has been injured on business property, it is important to contact an experienced law firm as soon as possible after the accident. Frequently, a business or property owner will take steps to repair a negligent condition following an accident. And the extent of your injuries should not be the determining factor in whether or not you seek experienced legal advice. Too often, serious injuries, including head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or neck, back and joint injuries, do not appear serious at the time of the accident.
By the time the full extent of your injuries are determined weeks or months later, it can be much more difficult to make a proper claim for injuries and to conduct a thorough investigation.
Freeman & Mallard is a South Florida personal injury and wrongful death law firm dedicated to helping motorists who have been injured in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.