When you think of a shopping trip to Dillard’s, you’re likely expecting great deals on clothing, accessories, and home goods. What you probably don’t expect is to experience a slip-and-fall accident.
Unfortunately, these incidents happen more frequently than you’d think, and they often lead to severe personal injuries. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in Dillard’s stores due to hazards like wet floors, cluttered aisles, or poor lighting.
These accidents can cause victims to suffer injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and can have a significant impact on your life. Dealing with the aftermath of such an accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing medical bills, lost income, and the potential need for long-term care.
That’s where an experienced personal injury lawyer comes in. They can help you navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our team of dedicated slip-and-fall lawyers is here to assist you by providing free consultation and nationwide legal services.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyer
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial after a slip-and-fall accident. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury cases, including your slip-and-fall claims based on premises liability. Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling slip-and-fall cases and understand the unique challenges. From dealing with Dillard’s insurance workers to navigating premises liability laws, our attorneys are well-equipped to fight for your rights.
Fatal slip and fall in a hospital
Knee injury on a construction site
Pelvis fracture on ice at a church
Slip and fall down a flight of stairs
Broken arm at a large chain store
Broken arm and wrist at an office
We take a comprehensive approach to each case, starting with thoroughly investigating the accident scene. We gather all necessary evidence, including surveillance footage, accident reports, and witness statements.
Our goal is to build a strong case that establishes Dillard’s liability and secures maximum compensation for our clients. Whether you’re facing expensive medical bills or loss of wages due to your injuries, we’re here to ensure your full compensation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Understanding Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Dillard’s is a major department store chain known for its wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, and home goods. With stores across the country, Dillard’s attracts thousands of shoppers daily.
However, like any large retail establishment, Dillard’s is responsible for maintaining a safe shopping environment for its customers. But accidents can happen when they fail to do so, leading to serious injuries.
Slip-and-fall accidents at Dillard’s can occur for various reasons. For instance, staff may not promptly clean a spill in the store’s aisle, or a recently mopped floor might not have proper warning signs.
Poor lighting in certain store sections can also contribute to accidents, making it difficult for customers to see potential hazards. Also, customers may trip over merchandise left carelessly in walkways.
Common Causes of Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents happen at Dillard’s for several reasons. Knowing about these can help identify potential hazards:
- Wet Floors: Spills or cleaning can create slippery surfaces, especially if not marked with warning signs.
- Cluttered Aisles: Merchandise or store fixtures left in aisles can pose tripping hazards.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult for customers to see obstacles or uneven surfaces.
- Uneven Surfaces: Carpets, mats, or tiles that are not properly secured can cause customers to trip.
- Lack of Maintenance: Failure to repair or maintain floors, handrails, or other store features can lead to dangerous conditions.
Common Injuries in Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in a range of injuries, some of which can be quite severe:
- Broken Bones: Fractures, particularly in the wrists, hips, and ankles, are common in falls.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions or more severe head injuries can occur from hitting the ground or nearby objects.
- Facial Injuries: Cuts, bruises, or dental injuries can occur if a person falls face-first.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can result from sudden, awkward movements during a fall.
Long-Term Impacts of Slip-and-Fall Injuries
The consequences of slip-and-fall accidents at Dillard’s can extend far beyond the immediate injuries:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain can affect your ability to perform daily activities and may require long-term medical treatment.
- Disability: Severe injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, impacting mobility and quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: Experiencing a traumatic accident can lead to anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may experience financial difficulties.
- Impact on Daily Life: Injuries can affect your ability to engage in hobbies, exercise, or perform basic self-care tasks.
Establishing Liability for Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Establishing liability is critical in pursuing compensation for a slip-and-fall accident at Dillard’s. The court must see that Dillard’s was negligent in maintaining a safe environment to hold the store accountable.
This means showing that the store knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it in a reasonable amount of time. If this liability is established, you can file a premises liability claim.
Evidence plays a crucial role in proving liability. This can include surveillance footage showing the accident, witness statements from other customers or employees, and maintenance records that indicate whether the store regularly checked for hazards. Documenting the accident scene and your injuries as soon as possible is essential.
There may be shared liability, such as when a third-party vendor or contractor is responsible for the dangerous condition. For example, they might also be liable if an external cleaning service left a wet floor without proper signage.
Compensation Following a Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accident
If you were injured after falling at Dillard’s, you may be entitled to several types of compensation:
Medical Expenses
This includes all costs related to your medical care, from emergency treatment to follow-up visits and physical therapy. It also covers the cost of medications, surgeries, and any necessary medical equipment, such as crutches or wheelchairs.
Income Loss
If your fall injury prevents you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost income during recovery. This also includes any future earnings you may lose if you cannot return to work in the same capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This can include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
The court may award punitive damages in cases where Dillard’s actions were particularly negligent or reckless. These damages punish the store and deter similar conduct in the future.
Wrongful Death
If a slip-and-fall accident results in a fatality, the deceased’s family may file a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
What to Do Following a Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a fall injury at Dillard’s can significantly impact your ability to file a successful personal injury claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and get medical help immediately, even if your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.
- Report the Accident: Notify Dillard’s store management and ensure an official accident report is filed. Request a copy of this report for your records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of where the accident happened, including any hazards like wet floors or debris. Note the date, time, and conditions present during the fall.
- Collect Witness Information: If some other customers or employees witnessed the fall, get their contact details and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
The Role of a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer
Having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer with experience in slip-and-fall cases on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist you:
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, your personal injury lawyer will review the details of your accident and injuries. It’s crucial to provide all relevant documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and any correspondence with Dillard’s insurance company.
This consultation is a free case evaluation and lets you understand your legal rights and options.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This may involve visiting the scene, reviewing surveillance footage, and obtaining maintenance records from Dillard’s. They will also gather witness statements and may work with experts to reconstruct the accident.
Negotiation and Settlement
In most personal injury cases, your lawyer negotiates with Dillard’s insurance company for a fair settlement. This process involves presenting evidence of your injuries and the store’s liability.
Your attorney will advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve. If we can’t get a fair settlement, your lawyer will take the slip-and-fall injury case to civil court.
Trial
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing your case. They will work to prove Dillard’s liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Dillard’s Personal Injury Claims
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This time frame varies by state, and you must adhere to this period if you wish to seek compensation for your injuries.
Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing a claim. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the injury occurs to ensure all legal actions are timely.
Contact a Dillard’s Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been injured in a slipping accident at Dillard’s, don’t hesitate to take legal action. The personal injury lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help you navigate the personal injury claims process. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your personal injury case.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or complete our online form.