In the vast retail outlets known as big-box stores, which are stocked with every imaginable type of merchandise, the potential for boxes and other heavy items falling from heights can put shoppers at increased risk of injury. Understanding how such accidents occur can help customers avoid them and also make them aware of their legal remedies should they suffer a serious injury.

The following are the most common causes of falling accidents:

• Improperly stocked merchandise — One of the biggest hazards in big-box stores is unstable and insecure stocking of merchandise. Heavy items are often piled high on shelves or in stacked displays that can easily collapse. Even a minor bump or shift can lead them to topple. This makes them a significant risk to shoppers who may disturb them or be struck by falling items.

• Improperly secured merchandise — Products that hang over on top shelves or are placed on display hooks may not be adequately fastened. A slight jostle, whether from a customer or a store employee, can cause poorly secured items to fall. They present a direct threat to customers, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic where people are less likely to notice them.

• Shelving that cannot support merchandise weight — Shelves are often designed to hold certain weights, and exceeding these limits can lead to shelf collapse. This endangers shoppers who might be standing nearby or passing through the affected area. Proper assessment and maintenance of shelving units are necessary to preventing these types of incidents.

• Store fails to warn shoppers — If a retailer is aware of potential dangers, such as unstable merchandise or faulty shelving, it is obligated to inform shoppers of these risks. Some stores neglect this responsibility, leaving customers to navigate hazardous conditions without any warnings or safety notices. This lack of precaution exacerbates the risk of accidents and injuries.

• Store fails to clean or to restock items properly — The store must ensure that aisles are clear of obstacles, that merchandise is restocked correctly and that floor surfaces are free of slipping hazards. Any potential dangers must be promptly addressed. Stores with inadequate management or staffing may fail in these responsibilities, which can result in hazardous conditions that increase the risk of accidents.

• Employees move merchandise with customers present — Employees should be aware of their surroundings and ensure that their actions do not inadvertently create hazards for shoppers. Failure to cordon off work areas or to monitor for nearby shoppers can lead to accidents. For example, when an employee attempts to place or retrieve items from a high shelf, there is a potential for items to fall and strike unsuspecting a customer in an adjacent aisle. 

If you are injured from falling merchandise at a big-box store, you may have a cause of action for damages. If you are able, try to take photos of the areas surrounding the accident and of anyone who may have been involved. Report the accident to the store manager but do not sign any document. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Finally, discuss your case with a qualified premises liability lawyer. 

Ernest Law Group, PLC in Virginia Beach advocates on behalf of slip and fall accident victims throughout the Hampton Roads area. To schedule a free consultation, call 757-997-6617 or contact us online.