JCPenney is one of the biggest national retailers purchasing and selling clothing, shoes, houseware, and other accessories at affordable prices. Besides offering good prices and a variety of brand styles to customers, JCPenney is also responsible for making sure their locations do no harm. If you suffer injuries from slipping and falling at a JCPenney store, you may have grounds for legal options. You should talk to a slip and fall accident lawyer in Georgia about what you can do.
At John Foy & Associates, our Georgia slip and fall accident lawyers know what it takes to bring a case against a company like JCPenney. It’s not an easy road without proper legal representation. We will bring our more than 20 years of experience to the table and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
For a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 to get started today or contact us online at any time. We’re ready to help you with your case and pursue the best outcome possible.
What to Know About JCPenney Stores
JCPenney Company, Inc officially began in 1913 and issued its first catalog in 1963 in addition to in-store catalog desks in various stores. The first full-line shopping center store opened in 1962. They now have 850 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico with their home office in Plano, TX.
JCPenney’s departments include clothing for men, women, juniors, children, and babies, jewelry, handbags, accessories, beauty, furniture, home decor, salons, and holiday gifts. The setup and high volume of merchandise throughout these departments can lead to potential slip and fall hazards for customers.
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Common Slip and Fall Dangers in JCPenney(s) in Georgia
Even when JCPenney store employees are careful, accidents can still happen. Managers and employees must be extremely diligent in preventing accidents that can cause harm to customers. Otherwise, they are liable for the costs of any injury that occurs if they do not “exercise reasonable care” (Georgia Code §51-3-1).
Example of hazardous conditions that may lead to slip and fall accidents in Georgia JCPenney stores include:
- Slippery floors due to an employee mopping or from spilled merchandise or beverages
- Merchandise that has fallen from shelves, tables, or racks and into the aisles
- Poorly assembled racks, shelves, or displays
- Advertisement displays that have fallen into walkways
- Electronic cords left where customers can trip over it
- Clothes left-back in dressing rooms
- Dropped food that customers have brought into the store
- Loose or broken stairs or staircases
- Damaged or uneven flooring
- Puddles from snow or rain tracked in from outside
- Inadequate lighting
Employees should be watching for any potential hazards and should ensure they are cleaned up or remedied within a reasonable amount of time. If they do no do this, it can lead to a slip and fall accident for which they would be legally responsible.
What You Should Do After Suffering a Slip and Fall at JCPenney
A slip and fall accident can be incredibly painful and frustrating. All you wanted to do was to shop for some clothes or other products. Now, instead, you’re injured and wondering what to do.
Injuries from a slip and fall can be surprisingly very expensive, even if you feel okay right after the fall. You should not have to pay for any costs that were not your fault. That’s why it’s so vital to do everything you can to legally protect yourself.
Here are some steps you should take after a slip and fall accident at a JCPenney store.
Notify the Store
Let the store know right away that you fell and were injured. Talk to a manager. If you aren’t sure where the manager is, ask an employee to take you to them.
The store will likely complete an accident report of your fall. If your injuries are very serious or life-threatening and the police are called, officers will also create a police report of the incident. You will need to obtain a copy of either of these reports for your claim.
Avoid apologizing in any way or saying things like “I was just being clumsy.” It’s human nature to be embarrassed after tripping, slipping, or falling, but blaming yourself can backfire later. The store or insurance company can try to use this against you in your injury claim.
Take Pictures
If you can, use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the specific hazard that caused your fall. Pictures help preserve the scene as it was right after the accident.
Taking a video can help your case too. During the video, you might verbally explain what happened and how you fell. If your fall was recorded on a store surveillance camera, this can also be powerful evidence.
Ask your JCPenney slip and fall accident and injury lawyer about how to obtain surveillance footage after your accident. Through the Freedom of Information Act, they have the right to request a copy of the video.
Talk to Witnesses
Many times, when slip and fall accidents happen in stores like JCPenneys, there are other customers nearby. If those customers witnessed your fall or saw the dangerous condition that led to it, talk to them about it. Ask for their full name and contact information so your lawyer can reach out to them for a statement later.
Keep Track of All Records
To have a valid and successful personal injury claim after a slip and fall accident, you will need to prove your damages. Keep records of all your losses following your injuries, such as:
- Medical bills and records
- Doctor notes
- Paystubs to help demonstrate what you were making before and wages you have missed because of the accident
Talk to your lawyer about everything you need to save for your claim. If you are missing certain pieces of evidence, they can help you investigate and gather what you need.
Talk to a JCPenney Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Lawyer in Georgia for Free
Don’t wait to get a legal professional on your side after a slip and fall accident injury at JCPenney. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help. Beginning as a small, local law office in Georgia, we have grown to become one of the most respected and well-known firms in the state.
We are not afraid to stand up to large insurance companies and fight for the rights of slip and fall accident victims. We can help you, starting with a FREE consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form