You never expect a quick trip to the supermarket or a stop at your favorite retail store to end in an ambulance ride. Yet slippery floors, falling merchandise, or cluttered aisles can cause life-changing injuries in an instant. At Souder Law, we know these accidents aren’t “minor mishaps”: they’re serious cases of negligence. Our experienced, aggressive team fights to hold negligent store owners accountable and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What Are Supermarket & Retail Store Accidents?
Every year, thousands of Floridians are injured in supermarkets and retail stores. Falls alone account for more than 260 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents annually in Florida, and they remain the leading cause of injury among older adults. The Florida Department of Health reports that unintentional falls caused 3,848 deaths in seniors in 2021 alone, showing just how dangerous seemingly “everyday” accidents can be. In Florida, a supermarket or retail store accident refers to injuries sustained by shoppers or guests due to unsafe conditions on the premises. These include slips on spilled liquids, tripping on torn mats, or being struck by poorly stacked merchandise. To succeed in a Florida premises liability claim, you generally must prove:
- You were lawfully on the property as a customer or guest
- The store had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard under Fla. Stat. § 768.0755
- The store failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn of the hazard
- Your injuries were a direct result of that unsafe condition
Common Causes of Supermarket & Retail Store Accidents:
- Spilled liquids or produce left on the floor without timely cleanup or warning signs
- Recently mopped or waxed floors with no caution signage
- Wrinkled, torn, or uneven floor mats, carpets, or tiles creating trip hazards
- Merchandise stacked too high or poorly secured, falling onto customers
- Debris, packaging, or clutter left in aisles or stairwells
- Poor lighting in aisles, entrances, or stairwells obscuring hazards
- Broken glass or sharp objects from damaged products left unattended
- Unsafe escalators, elevators, or handrails in disrepair
How We Handle Your Supermarket & Retail Store
Accident Claim
At Souder Law, we start by conducting a thorough investigation into your accident. We secure evidence quickly (photographs of the hazard, surveillance footage, witness statements, and incident reports) to prove whether the store had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition under Florida law. We also gather your medical records and consult with experts to establish the full extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.
From there, we build a strong, fact-driven claim aimed at holding the negligent store accountable. Our team negotiates directly with the store’s insurance company, pushing for compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term needs. If they refuse to pay what you deserve, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and aggressively advocate for your rights in front of a jury.
Damages Available in Supermarket & Retail Store Accidents
In Florida, identifying every liable party is critical in a supermarket or retail store accident case. Liability may rest not only with the store owner, but also with property managers, maintenance companies, or third-party contractors who failed to keep the premises safe. By holding all responsible parties accountable, you maximize your ability to recover full compensation.
Once liability is established, victims may pursue several categories of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Can I Recover Damages if I Was Partly at Fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover if you were less than 51% at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Steps to Take Immediately After Supermarket & Retail Store Accidents:
- Report the accident to store management and request a written incident report
- Photograph the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area
- Collect names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Preserve any clothing, shoes, or items involved in the fall or incident
- Request that the store preserve surveillance footage of the accident
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer
- Contact an experienced premises liability attorney to protect your rights
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is relentless in fighting for clients injured in supermarket and retail store accidents across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and throughout South Florida. Our team knows how to hold negligent store owners accountable and pursue the full justice you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning it costs you nothing unless we win compensation for you. Contact us today for a free case review and find out what your supermarket or retail store accident claim may be worth.
