Office or Retail Building Injuries
When you visit an office building or commercial space (such as a shopping mall, supermarket, or other retail outlets), the last thing you expect is to trip and break a bone on the buckled pavement in the parking lot, get a concussion after being knocked in the head by falling merchandise, sprain your ankle on a crumbling staircase, or become a victim of a violent crime.
But sometimes accidents in the office happen.
Such incidences can seriously disrupt your life. Suddenly you have to cope with doctor’s visits, medical bills, missed days at work, as well as the pain and inconvenience of your injury. You also have to deal with the frustrating, recurring thought: “How could this have happened?”
This is a question that demands an answer. The owners of office and commercial spaces have an obligation to keep their premises free of dangerous conditions that could foreseeably harm visitors or employees. If such conditions are present, they must take every reasonable precaution to minimize the risk to you.
Bottom line? If you get hurt on their property because of their negligence, they have to compensate you for your injuries.
What are examples of “dangerous conditions” in office buildings and retail spaces?
- Wet or slippery floors
- Snow or ice build-up in entryways or parking lots
- Potholes or cracked/buckled asphalt in parking lot
- Inadequately stabilized or over-stacked merchandise
- Defective elevators, escalators, stairs
- Poor building conditions (e.g. litter, broken glass, unstable walls, etc.)
- Ineffective barriers or precautions taken near construction or repair sites.
- Bad lighting
- Insufficient security
What if my injury occurred just before entering the building?
Owners of office and retail buildings have a duty to keep you from harm on every part of their property. This may include parking lots, thresholds, hallways, balconies, terraces as well as offices, conference rooms, bathrooms and commercial space.
I’ve been injured in an office building or commercial space. What should I do?
You should consult an experienced personal injury attorney. A good attorney can help you determine whether your injuries were caused by negligence and identify the person or business responsible for compensating you. You may be able to receive damages for medical expenses, lost wages and income, and emotional distress.
Peter Ventura is a personal injury lawyer in Massachusetts dedicated to helping people who suffered injuries in office buildings, shops, and other commercial spaces obtain compensation for their injuries. Call today for a free consultation at 508-755-7535.
