What Should I Do After an Accident at Dollar General?

Depending on where you live, there is likely a Dollar General store nearby. Over the past 10 years, the Dollar General chain of stores has experienced significant growth and doubled its store count, tripling its profits between 2007 and 2020. Today, there are over 17,000 locations across the United States.

Whether you shop at Dollar General regularly or stop in briefly to purchase something you forgot to pick up at your local grocery store, a slip and fall accident or another type of accident can happen when you least expect it. Unfortunately, accidents are all too common in Dollar General stores across Connecticut. Therefore, you should know the basic steps to take after a Dollar General store.

After an accident at Dollar General, it is crucial to prioritize your health and safety and take immediate action. Ensure you receive medical attention, even if you feel uninjured. Next, promptly report the incident to store management or staff, providing details. They will fill out an accident report. It is also essential to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and responsibilities following the accident, especially if injuries were involved.

What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Hazards in Dollar General Stores?

For several reasons, slip and fall accidents are common in retail stores like Dollar General. People come to Dollar General to purchase a wide range of items, from food containers and cleaning supplies to toiletries and canned goods. A variety of stores like Dollar General offer customers the convenience of buying these items in one place and at an affordable price. However, it also means that the walkways are often obstructed by empty boxes or shelves overflowing with inventory, which can create safety hazards.

The following are examples of slip and fall hazards that are common in Dollar General stores:

• Walkway obstructions: The square footage of the average Dollar General store tends to be small compared to the amount of inventory they carry. There is also limited space for staff to store excess inventory. Often, empty boxes lie on the ground in aisles or displays in areas that should provide space for customers to walk and shop. Too frequently, tripping hazards can occur when staff or other customers leave items on the ground rather than placing inventory back on the shelves.
• Falling objects: If an excess inventory is placed on the top shelves, it could easily fall and hit a customer as they reach for an item that is not secured correctly.
• Slippery floors: While most Dollar General stores have carpeted floors, some do not. If there is a spill or the floors have been recently mopped, this can create a slipping hazard. Employees must clean up spills immediately and place warning signs.

A Vernon Personal Injury Lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC Will Help You After a Dollar General Accident

If you were injured while shopping at a Dollar General store, do not hesitate to contact a Vernon personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 860-872-7741 or contact us online. Located in Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut, we serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.