The Common Types of Injuries During Black Friday Sales 
During Black Friday, the sheer volume of customers in physical stores often leads to dangerous situations. These injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to understand which types of incidents happen most frequently.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: One of the most common types of injuries on Black Friday occurs inside the store—slips, trips, and falls. With the store’s aisles filled to the brim with people and products, it’s easy for dangerous conditions to arise. Wet floors, cluttered aisles, or even improperly stacked merchandise can all lead to dangerous accidents. A slip on a wet floor or tripping over an obstructed aisle can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, sprains, or even head trauma.
- Stampedes and Crowds: While customers rush toward doorbuster deals, stampedes can happen, especially in stores with limited stock or at stores offering extremely popular items. When stores fail to manage the flow of customers, stampedes can cause injuries ranging from sprained ankles to more severe injuries like broken bones, concussions, and even fatalities. These events are more common in high-traffic areas, like electronics sections or toy aisles, where people are trying to grab discounted items before they sell out.
- Parking-Lot Accidents: Another common injury during Black Friday sales happens outside the store—in the parking lot. With shoppers trying to find a parking space in crowded lots and competing with other vehicles to leave, accidents are more likely to occur. Fender benders, pedestrian accidents, and even collisions between cars are common on Black Friday. In some cases, these parking-lot accidents can result in serious injuries, especially if pedestrians are struck by vehicles.
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Mary Elizabeth Tenn
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Who Is Liable for Black Friday Injuries?
Determining who is liable for injuries sustained during Black Friday shopping can be a complex issue. It often depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury and who is at fault. Let’s break down the potential liabilities for various parties involved.Liability of Store Owners and Property Owners
The store owner or property owner may be held liable if the injury was caused by hazardous conditions that they failed to address. New Hampshire law requires business owners to maintain a safe environment for customers. This includes ensuring the following:- Properly maintaining store floors and aisles to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
- Managing crowd control in a manner that minimizes the risk of stampedes.
- Providing adequate lighting and signage in parking lots to reduce the risk of accidents.
Crowd Control: The Store’s Duty to Prevent Stampedes
One of the most dangerous situations that can occur during Black Friday is a stampede. When stores do not have proper security measures or crowd control in place, they may be held responsible for any injuries that occur due to an overwhelming rush of customers. Store owners are expected to anticipate that large crowds may cause harm and take steps to manage them. Effective crowd control can include actions like:- Limiting the number of customers allowed into the store at once.
- Setting up barriers or designated lines to prevent overcrowding.
- Hiring enough staff to monitor and manage the flow of customers, especially near high-demand items.
Liability for Parking-Lot Accidents
Store owners also have a responsibility for maintaining the safety of the parking lot. While they may not directly cause accidents in the lot, they are required to ensure that the area is safe for shoppers to walk and drive in. If an accident occurs due to poor parking lot design, inadequate lighting, or unclear signage, the store may be held responsible. For example, if a parking lot is poorly lit, making it difficult for pedestrians to see, or if there are no clear crosswalks for pedestrians to walk safely, the store could be liable for any resulting injuries. In cases where a pedestrian is hit by a car in the parking lot, the store may be considered partially responsible for failing to create a safe environment.Can Shoppers Be Held Liable?
While stores and property owners are often responsible for accidents that occur in or around their premises, shoppers may also be held partially liable for their own injuries. In some cases, if a shopper is acting recklessly or engaging in unsafe behavior, they could be found at least partially responsible for the accident. For example, if a shopper pushes through a crowd aggressively to grab a deal, causing others to be injured in the process, they may be held liable for any harm that they cause. New Hampshire follows comparative negligence laws, which means that if both parties are at fault, the liability is divided based on the degree of responsibility each person holds. If the shopper is found to be partially responsible for their own injuries, it could reduce the compensation they receive.What Should You Do If You’re Injured on Black Friday?
If you’re injured during Black Friday shopping in New Hampshire, it’s essential to take the proper steps to protect your rights. Here’s what you should do if you’re hurt during the chaos:1. Report the Incident Immediately
As soon as you’re injured, inform store employees or security personnel. They may be required to file an incident report for their insurance records. This documentation will be important if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, seek medical attention right away. Sometimes injuries from slips or falls may seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Getting a doctor’s evaluation can ensure that your injuries are properly documented for any potential legal claims.3. Collect Evidence
Take pictures of the accident scene, including the area where you fell or any hazards that caused the injury. If possible, get the contact information of witnesses who can testify about what happened. This will be useful when filing an injury claim.4. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, assess the evidence, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.Black Friday shopping in New Hampshire is an exciting event, but it also comes with risks. If you’re injured during the chaos, knowing who is liable and what steps to take afterward can help you protect your rights. Whether it’s the store, another shopper, or the property owner who is responsible, having a legal team on your side can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been hurt during Black Friday shopping, Tenn and Tenn, PA is here to help. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and assist you in seeking justice.