Grocery stores, retail stores and other locations with products high on shelves present a large risk. You may be walking down the aisle of your favorite department or grocery store when an object suddenly falls off the shelf on top of you or the shelf collapses. The impact of this object could create severe or even life-threatening injuries.

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Injuries and wrongful death resulting from fallen merchandise happen more often than you may think.

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If you or a loved one has been injured by falling merchandise while shopping, contact The Herring Law Firm PC or call 830.757.5879

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COMMON CAUSES OF FALLING MERCHANDISE

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Stores, including grocery stores, department stores, and warehouse stores (e.g. Walmart or Home Depot) may harbor dangerous environments for shoppers. Common causes of falling merchandise include:

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PRODUCTS THAT WERE IMPROPERLY STACKED ON UPPER-LEVEL SHELVES 

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It’s common for shelves to be packed too full, especially during the holidays. Ideally, heavier items should be secured to the shelves, but employees rarely do this. For shoppers who want to grab an item from a top-shelf, it may be difficult to find assistance from a store clerk when the store is overcrowded and busy.

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PRODUCTS THAT WERE STACKED TOO HIGH

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Stacking items too high, especially heavier items, can cause the items to topple over and hit an unsuspecting customer.

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IMPROPED EMPLOYEE TRAINIG AND THE SUPERVISON 

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Employees often stack large items on smaller items, creating a weight imbalance. The smaller objects may cave in causing the much larger and heavier items to topple over. Sometimes the merchandise is larger than the shelving unit but is placed there anyway, which leaves the item hanging over the edge.

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INADEQUATE WARNING SING 

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Most customers are taken by surprise when merchandise falls on them without warning. Many customers aren’t aware that falling merchandise accidents are a common occurrence, and as a result, aren’t on the lookout for falling items and don’t reach for items with the appropriate amount of care and attention.

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PALLETS ON FLOORING

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Many times the store employees leave the bottom pallet extruding out in the walkway of the customer. This can cause a dangerous fall leading to serious injury.