Liability for Slip and Fall Accidents in Utah Retail Stores

According to the National Retail Federation, Utah has over 50,000 retail establishments, and the retail industry supports 26% of the state’s jobs. Whether they are independent stores, small businesses, or big box chains, the owner or occupier of a retail store has a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition to prevent harm to customers or other visitors.

If a slip-and-fall accident occurs due to the store failing to meet this duty, they may be liable for any resulting injuries under Utah’s premises liability law.

At Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our team of Salt Lake City personal injury lawyers represent clients throughout the state injured in retail stores, so they are not left paying for their damages out of pocket. Here, we discuss the key factors that help us determine liability.

How to Determine Liability in Utah Retail Store Slip & Fall Accidents

Liability for slip and fall accidents in Utah retail stores generally falls on the store owner or occupier if it can be proven that they were negligent in maintaining a safe environment, leading to the injury.

That can often be determined by proving:

• Negligence of the Store Owner or Occupier: The store owner, manager, or employees were negligent in maintaining safe conditions. This could involve failing to clean up spills, fix hazardous conditions, or provide adequate warnings, such as “Wet Floor” signs identifying potentially slippery surfaces.
• Knowledge of the Hazard: The store owner or employees knew or should have known about the dangerous condition that caused the fall. For example, the store could be considered negligent if a spill had been on the floor for a long time and no effort was made to clean it up.
• Reasonableness of Store Maintenance: The store must have procedures for inspecting and maintaining the premises regularly. If the store did not have a reasonable system to detect and address hazards, it could be found liable.
• Employee Actions: If a store employee created a hazardous condition, such as spilling something or placing obstacles in walkways, the store could be liable for the employee’s actions.

Seeking medical care immediately after a slip and fall accident in Utah is crucial for your health and protecting your legal rights. Prompt medical attention ensures that your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, which can be vital evidence in your personal injury claim.

Additionally, contacting our Salt Lake County personal injury lawyers as soon as possible helps you navigate the complexities of Utah’s premises liability laws. Our experienced attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your fall, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Contact Our Trusted Premises Liability Attorneys in Salt Lake City, Utah to Discuss Your Claim During a Free Consultation

Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys has represented thousands of Utah clients, successfully obtaining settlements during negotiations and fighting for their rights and optimal outcomes in jury trials for more than 90 combined years.

If you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident caused by negligence anywhere in Utah, contact our Salt Lake City personal injury attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation.