★★★★★

Madalon treats you as family. Nelfi M.

★★★★★

Always willing to go the extra mile and go above and beyond for their clients. Trent P.

Target Slip And Fall Lawyers

Let’s face it, shopping trips aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. Unfortunately, a seemingly harmless stroll down the aisles at Target can take a turn for the worse, resulting in a slip and fall accident.

There were 80,324 unintentional falls that resulted in injuries across Florida in 2022. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you’re likely feeling a mix of pain, confusion, and maybe even a little embarrassment. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights.

At Madalon Law, our Target slip and fall lawyers in Florida can guide you through the ins and outs of slip and fall accidents. We’ll cover the most common types of incidents, what can cause them, the potential injuries you might face, and the steps you should take if you have the misfortune of taking a tumble.

Your Target Slip And Fall Lawyer Guide

• Common Types Of Slip And Falls At Target
• Slip And Fall Injuries In Target Stores
• Premises Liability And Target’s Duty Of Care
• Steps To Take If You Get Injured At Target
• Filing A Target Slip And Fall Claim In Florida
• Understanding Damages For A Target Slip And Fall Accident
• FAQs For Slip And Falls And Target Stores
• Contact A Target Slip And Fall Lawyer For An Accident In Florida

Everything you do after an accident matters. We will give it to you straight, teach you, guide you, and be with you every step of the way.

Common Types Of Slip And Falls At Target

Imagine you’re happily browsing the aisles at Target when suddenly, you’re down on the ground. So, what exactly can turn a cheerful shopping trip into a tumble at Target?

Here’s a look at the most common culprits:

Target Employee Negligence: Employees who fail to clean up spills promptly, restock shelves carelessly, or leave wet floor signs down after mopping could be contributing factors.
Improper Maintenance: The store’s failure to maintain the premises in a safe condition, such as by fixing broken floor tiles or repairing faulty equipment, could be a cause for your fall.
Design Defects: Uneven flooring or poorly designed store layouts might be inherent problems with the building itself.

Let’s look at these in some depth:

Spills and Leaks

Spilled drinks, leaky containers of cleaning products, or even condensation from a faulty refrigerator case can create a slick landscape on the floor. These surprise spills can be especially dangerous if they’re not cleaned up promptly, as they are nearly invisible to unsuspecting shoppers.

Uneven Terrain

Watch out for uneven flooring. Think chipped tiles, warped floorboards, or slight transitions between different flooring materials. These seemingly minor changes in elevation can easily catch you off guard and cause a stumble. Additionally, misplaced rugs or mats that aren’t secured properly can also become a tripping hazard.

Poor Lighting

Dimly lit areas or malfunctioning lights can be a recipe for disaster. Poor lighting makes it difficult to see potential hazards on the ground, like spilled liquids, uneven surfaces, or even dropped merchandise. Target has a responsibility to ensure adequate lighting throughout the store to keep their customers safe.

Improperly Stacked Merchandise

Sometimes, enthusiastic shoppers or busy employees can cause clutter. Improperly stacked merchandise, overflowing displays, or items that have fallen from shelves can all create tripping hazards. It’s important for Target to maintain a clean and organized shopping area to prevent these incidents.

Defective Equipment

Not all hazards are on the floor. Malfunctioning shopping carts with wobbly wheels, broken escalator steps that create uneven gaps, or poorly maintained motorized scooters with loose steering can all lead to falls. It’s Target’s duty to regularly inspect and maintain their equipment to ensure the safety of their customers.

By being aware of these potential hazards, you can shop a little more cautiously and avoid becoming a tumble victim. Remember, an ounce of prevention can be worth a potential lawsuit.

Slip And Fall Injuries In Target Stores

Slip and fall accidents at Target can vary wildly in severity. While some might leave you with a bruised ego and a limp, others can have life-altering consequences.

Here’s a sobering look at the potential injuries you might face:

Soft Tissue Trauma

This is the most common consequence of a fall, encompassing sprains, strains, and bruises. While these injuries typically aren’t life-threatening, they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, hindering your daily activities for days or even weeks.

Sprains: These occur when ligaments, the tough bands connecting bones at joints, are stretched or torn. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, and the affected joint might become swollen, red, and difficult to move. A sprained ankle from a fall on a wet floor at Target could leave you limping for weeks, impacting your ability to work, exercise, or even walk your dog.
Strains: When muscles or tendons (which connect muscle to bone) are stretched or torn, it’s called a strain. The pain can be dull or aching, and the surrounding area might be tender and inflamed.
Bruises: These are caused by broken blood vessels under the skin, resulting in blue, purple, and yellow discoloration and tenderness. While typically not serious, they can be quite painful, especially on sensitive areas like the shins or tailbone.

Fortunately, you can easily treat sprains, strains, and bruises with some strategic application of ice and some rest. However, these injuries can be quite painful and can limit your mobility for several weeks.

Fractures

Falls can wreak havoc on your bones, resulting in fractures in your wrists, arms, ankles, or legs. These injuries often require weeks in a cast or splint, followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Here’s a closer look at some common fractures:

Wrist fractures: A common consequence of falls on outstretched hands. The pain can be intense, and gripping or using your hand becomes difficult. You may spent weeks unable to write, type, or even hold a cup of coffee comfortably.
Arm fractures: Depending on the severity, these can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. It can greatly affect your daily activities, impacting everything from dressing yourself to driving.
Ankle fractures: These can be incredibly painful and make even putting weight on your foot unbearable. Healing often involves a cast or walking boot, followed by physical therapy to regain mobility and prevent long-term stiffness.
Hip fractures: These are especially serious, particularly for older adults (over 300,000 elderly people sustain hip fractures each year from falls!). They can lead to hospitalization, surgery, and long-term complications that affect mobility and independence.

Head Trauma

A blow to the head during a fall can have serious repercussions. These effects can disrupt your daily life and take weeks or even months to fully resolve. In more severe cases, head injuries can lead to internal bleeding, blood clots, or even coma. Never underestimate the potential dangers of a head injury.

Here’s a list of some potential consequences:

Concussions: These are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. While most concussions resolve on their own with rest, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and follow doctor’s orders to ensure you heal properly and avoid complications.
More Serious Head Injuries: Falls can also cause more severe head injuries, such as skull fractures, epidural hematomas (bleeding between the skull and the dura mater, the tough outer lining of the brain), and subdural hematomas (bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, the middle lining of the brain). These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Back, Neck, and Spinal Injuries

Falls can cause damage to your vertebrae, discs, or ligaments in your back and neck. This damage can result in severe pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The ramifications can be long-lasting and can affect your ability to work, exercise, or even perform simple tasks like getting dressed.

Some injuries might require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Here’s a closer look at some potential back and neck injuries:

Whiplash: This is a common neck injury caused by the sudden forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Whiplash can greatly impact your daily activities and take weeks or months to heal completely.
Herniated discs: The discs in your spine act as cushions between the vertebrae. A fall can cause a disc to herniate, pushing out of place and pressing on a nerve. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area, depending on the location of the herniated disc. Herniated discs can be debilitating and may require surgery in some cases.
Spinal cord injuries: These are the most serious type of back injury and can result in permanent nerve damage or paralysis. While rare, even a seemingly minor fall can have devastating consequences if it damages the spinal cord.

Internal Injuries

Sometimes, the most serious injuries aren’t easily visible. Falls can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or even nerve injuries. These hidden dangers can manifest as delayed symptoms, making it critical to seek medical attention after any fall, even if you feel okay initially.

Here are some examples of potential internal injuries:

Internal bleeding: A fall can damage internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys, leading to internal bleeding. This can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Organ damage: The force of a fall can damage internal organs, such as the lungs or intestines. Symptoms may not appear immediately, so being checked by a doctor after a fall is important.
Nerve injuries: Falls can damage nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. The severity of nerve damage can vary depending on the location and extent of the injury.

Premises Liability And Target’s Duty Of Care

Premise liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for injuries sustained by visitors on their property due to unsafe conditions. In your case, Target, as the owner of the store, has a duty of care towards you, the customer. This duty translates to specific actions they should take to ensure a safe shopping environment.

Here’s a breakdown of Target’s duty of care:

Maintaining a Safe Environment: Target has a responsibility to regularly inspect its premises and identify potential hazards like spills, uneven flooring, or faulty equipment. They should take prompt action to fix these issues or warn customers about them.
Warning of Known Dangers: If Target is aware of a dangerous condition, they must take steps to warn customers. This could involve placing wet floor signs, cordoning off an area under repair, or posting clear notices.

It’s important to remember that the specific duty of care owed by Target can vary depending on your visitor status. For example, they owe the highest duty of care to invited guests like customers, a lesser duty to licensees (people with permission but not necessarily an invitation), and the least duty to trespassers.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident at Target due to a condition that they failed to address or warn you about, you might have a premises liability claim. Consulting with a Florida personal injury attorney can help you determine if you have a case and the best course of action.

Steps To Take If You Get Injured At Target

Even if you’re being cautious, an accident can happen anywhere at any time. A sudden slip and fall injury can be alarming; however, it’s important that you keep your head and stay calm.

Here are some steps you should follow after a slip and fall in Target:

Step 1: Prioritize Your Health: Your well-being is paramount. Adrenaline can mask underlying injuries after a fall so you should seek medical attention immediately. Get checked out by a medical professional or urgent care center. Explain the fall in detail and mention any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. This will ensure a proper diagnosis and create a medical record of your injuries, which is essential for potential future claims.

Step 2: Document the Scene: While you might be shaken (literally), take a moment to document the scene of the fall if possible. Here’s what to capture with your phone’s camera:

The culprit: If a spill, uneven floor surface, or misplaced item caused your fall, photograph it from multiple angles. Include surrounding landmarks for context.
Your visible injuries: While not always pleasant, take pictures of any cuts, scrapes, or bruises you sustained. These can serve as evidence of the fall’s immediate impact.

Step 3: Report the Incident: Find a Target employee and inform them about your fall. Request an accident report form and fill it out diligently. Be factual and concise, sticking to the details of the incident. Do not admit fault or downplay your injuries.

Step 4: Witness Information: Were there people who witnessed your unfortunate tumble? If so, gather their names and contact information. Their statements can be invaluable in corroborating your story if you decide to pursue a claim.

Step 5: Receipts and Records: Save any receipts related to your fall. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, transportation costs, or even the cost of replacing ruined clothing or damaged personal items. Having a clear paper trail strengthens your personal injury case if you need to seek compensation for your injuries.

Step 6: Social Media Blackout: While you might be tempted to share your misfortune online, resist the urge! Public posts about your fall, especially on social media, can be misconstrued by insurance companies and potentially harm your accident case.

Step 7: Don’t Talk to Insurance (Yet): You might be contacted by Target’s insurance company. Do not discuss the details of your accident or injuries with them at this stage. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the appropriate communication with insurance representatives.

Step 8: Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with slip and fall laws in your state. This knowledge can be empowering and guide you in determining if you have a case and if you should seek legal counsel.

Remember, a slip and fall at Target can be a stressful experience. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to handle the situation, prioritize your health, and protect your rights in case you need to seek compensation for your injuries.

Filing A Target Slip And Fall Claim In Florida

Filing a Target Slip and Fall Claim: A Guide to Your Legal Rights

A Target slip and fall can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of where to turn. Here’s a roadmap to empower you and protect your rights in the aftermath:

Step 1: Enlisting an Expert – Partnering with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Your first step should be seeking legal counsel from a qualified personal injury lawyer experienced in slip and fall cases. Look for someone who prioritizes representing injury victims and has a proven track record of success. An experienced lawyer will become your advocate throughout the process.

Here’s what he can do for you:

Case Evaluation: They’ll work with you to understand the details of your fall, gather evidence, and assess the potential strength of your claim. They can also provide an estimate of potential compensation you might recover from Target.
Claim Filing: Your lawyer will handle filing a claim with Target and its insurance company. This ensures all communication goes through them, protecting you from the complexities of negotiating directly with insurance representatives.
Securing Video Evidence: Security cameras are prevalent in Target stores. Your lawyer will act swiftly to request relevant footage that can serve as crucial evidence in your case. Early action is essential to prevent the footage from being deleted.
Investigative Advantage: Target’s internal policies and procedures can be a powerful tool. Your lawyer will delve into these documents to uncover any potential negligence on Target’s part that might have contributed to your fall.

Step 2: The Legal Landscape – Understanding the Court System

Negotiation or Litigation: Most Target slip and fall insurance claims are settled through negotiation with their insurance company. Your lawyer will handle these negotiations, aiming to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. However, if you are unable to reach a fair settlement, they will be prepared to take your case to court.
Settlement Advantage: A skilled lawyer will leverage their experience to negotiate a substantial settlement that reflects the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
Federal Court Considerations: Be aware that claims exceeding $75,000 might be moved to federal court by Target. Having a lawyer experienced in both state and federal court proceedings is vital to ensure your case is represented effectively regardless of the venue.

Remember: Don’t underestimate the potential value of your claim. Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to major medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced Target slip and fall attorney in Florida can handle the legal process, securing fair compensation, and ensuring your rights are protected after a slip and fall.

Understanding Damages For A Target Slip And Fall Accident

A slip and fall at Target can result in a variety of losses, both financial and non-financial. If you’re considering pursuing a legal claim, you need to understand the different types of damages you can recover.

Here’s a look at the economic and non-economic damages in the context of a Target slip and fall case:

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to your fall. They are typically easier to calculate and document with receipts and bills. Here are some common examples:

Medical Bills: This includes all costs associated with your medical treatments, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and ambulance services.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or limit your earning capacity, you can be compensated for lost income. This may include salary, bonuses, or commissions.
Loss of Earning Capacity: In some cases, your injuries might permanently affect your ability to earn a living. Your lawyer can work with economic experts to determine the future income you might have lost due to your injuries.
Property Damage: If your clothing or personal belongings were damaged in the fall, you can seek compensation for their repair or replacement.

Non-Economic Damages

These are the intangible losses you experience due to your fall, which can be more subjective and challenging to quantify. Here are some examples:

Pain and Suffering: This includes the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries. The severity, duration, and impact of your pain can all be considered.
Mental Anguish: Anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some examples of emotional distress that can be compensated for.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or spending time with loved ones, you might be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Loss of Consortium: This applies to spouses and can compensate for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and affection due to your injuries.

While economic damages are straightforward to calculate, non-economic damages require strong evidence to support your claim. Here’s how a personal injury lawyer can help:

Medical Records: They will gather your medical records to document the nature and severity of your injuries.
Expert Testimony: In some cases, medical or vocational experts might be needed to establish the long-term impact of your injuries on your life and earning capacity.
Witness Statements: Witnesses who saw your fall can provide valuable testimony about the cause and your initial reaction.

If you’re considering pursuing a legal claim, it’s important for you to understand what factors influence the potential value of your settlement:

The Severity of Your Injuries: This is a major player. Generally, the more serious and long-lasting your injuries are, the higher the potential settlement amount. Fractures, head trauma, or soft tissue injuries requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation will be valued differently than a minor bump and bruise.
The Cause of Your Fall: The circumstances surrounding your fall greatly impact your case. Did you trip over a misplaced item or slip on a wet floor that Target employees should have addressed? Evidence that Target was negligent in maintaining a safe environment can strengthen your claim. An attorney can assist you in gathering proof to show the store’s potential liability.
Shared Responsibility: Were you texting and walking when you fell, or perhaps wearing shoes with inadequate traction? While Target might hold a large portion of the blame, your own actions can also be a factor. An attorney can advise you on how comparative fault laws in your state might affect your case and potential compensation.

Keep in mind that every case is unique. These factors are just a starting point, and the final settlement amount will depend on the specific details of your situation.

There’s no guarantee of an offer. Target might choose not to settle, and your attorney can advise you on the best course of action if that happens.

Remember, a skilled personal injury lawyer can advocate for you and fight to secure the full compensation you deserve for both your economic and non-economic losses after a Target slip and fall.

Broward Fort Lauderdale Accident Lawyers - Madalon Law

FAQs For Slip And Fall Accidents In Target Stores

How much is my Target slip and fall case worth?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of your settlement depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cause of the fall (was it Target’s fault?), and any shared responsibility you might have. A personal injury lawyer can analyze the specifics of your case and provide a more accurate estimate.

Is there a guarantee Target will settle?

No, there’s no guarantee. Target might choose not to settle, and your lawyer can advise you on the next steps if that occurs. However, a strong case with clear evidence of Target’s negligence and the impact on your life increases the chances of a favorable settlement offer.

What if I’m unsure if I have a case?

Don’t hesitate to consult with a personal injury lawyer. They can review the details of your fall and advise you on the legal merits of your case. An initial consultation is often free, and a lawyer can guide you through the process and determine if pursuing a claim is the right course of action.

Should I talk to Target’s insurance company directly?

It’s best to avoid discussing your case directly with Target’s insurance company. An experienced lawyer can handle all communication on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and that you don’t accidentally say anything that could weaken your claim.

What is the possible timeline of a Florida slip and fall lawsuit?

The exact timeline of a Florida personal injury lawsuit, including a slip and fall, can vary considerably depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle. Here’s a general breakdown of the potential timeframe:

Initial Investigation (1-2 weeks): You’ll gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Your lawyer will assess the strength of your case.
Demand Package & Negotiations (2-4 months): Your lawyer will prepare a demand package outlining your injuries, damages, and a settlement offer. Negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company begin.
Discovery Phase (2-6 months): This involves exchanging information, depositions (formal questioning under oath), and potentially expert witness testimonies.
Mediation (1-2 months): A neutral third party attempts to facilitate a settlement between both parties.
Trial Preparation (1-2 years): If mediation fails, the case progresses towards trial. This involves extensive preparation, including witness preparation and finalizing legal arguments.
Trial (1-2 weeks): The case is presented before a judge or jury, who will ultimately decide on fault and damages awarded.

Keep in mind that Factors like the severity of injuries, complexities of the case, and court congestion can greatly alter the timeline.

What is the statute of limitation of a Target slip and fall in Florida?

The statute of limitations for a slip and fall lawsuit against Target in Florida is generally two years from the date of the accident or the date you discovered your injury, whichever is later. This is according to Florida Statute §95.11(a), which applies to most personal injury claims, including slip and falls.

If you weren’t aware of the full extent of your injuries immediately after the fall, the clock might start ticking from the date you discovered the injury through a doctor’s diagnosis or when the injury became apparent.

It’s important to not to wait. Evidence can fade with time, and witness memories can become unreliable. That’s why we strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible after your fall.

In rare cases, exceptions to the statute of limitations might apply. An attorney can advise you on the specifics of your situation and any potential exceptions.

How does comparative negligence affect my case?

The percentage of fault assigned to you directly impacts the amount of compensation you can recover. Let’s say you suffer a slip and fall at Target, but you were texting and walking at the time. The court might find the store 70% at fault for not maintaining a safe environment, and you 30% at fault for not paying attention. If your damages are $20,000, you’d be entitled to $14,000 (70% of $20,000).

Broward car accident attorneys - Madalon Law

Contact A Target Slip And Fall Lawyer For An Accident In Florida

Here’s why hiring a Florida slip and fall attorney can be a wise decision:

Understanding Your Rights: Premise liability laws can be complex. An attorney can explain your legal rights and options in the aftermath of an accident.
Gathering Evidence: Securing evidence to build a strong case is vital. Your lawyer has the experience and resources to gather essential evidence like incident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Insurance Negotiation Expertise: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An attorney with experience negotiating with insurance companies can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Leveling the Playing Field: The at-fault party might have legal representation. A lawyer can ensure you have a skilled advocate on your side to protect your interests.
Understanding Medical Bills: Medical bills after a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming. Your lawyer can help you navigate medical bills and ensure they are fair and accurate.
Settlement Guidance: An attorney can advise you on the fairness of settlement offers and ensure you understand the long-term implications of accepting a settlement. They will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Trial Experience (if necessary): In the unfortunate event your case goes to trial, having an experienced lawyer represent you in court is invaluable.

While hiring a lawyer involves costs, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, and their fee is typically a percentage of the settlement you receive.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire a lawyer is personal. However, considering the complexities of slip and fall accident lawsuits and the potential financial compensation at stake, consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney can be a worthwhile investment in your well-being and financial security after an accident.

Did a Target tumble leave you more bruised than you bargained for?

The Madalon Law Target Slip And Fall Lawyers Of Florida will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation: Discuss your case with an experienced attorney at no cost.
We Take the Lead: Let us handle the legal legwork while you focus on healing.
Maximum Compensation: Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
No Recovery, No Fee: You won’t owe us a dime unless we win your case.

Target a Fair Settlement. Contact Madalon Law Today.

Practice Areas

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. LET US ANSWER THEM FOR YOU

Most people are not aware of how the law works, the rights they have and the amount of compensation they can be entitled to after they have been injured in an accident that was the result of another party’s negligence. The obstacles and confusion that follow an accident and an injury can seem overwhelming.