Gas stations and onsite convenience stores can be hazardous places — from oil spills to broken gas pumps and misplaced equipment, there are potentially dangerous conditions that can cause injury. Critically, an owner has a legal duty to ensure the premises are kept safe for customers. In the event they fail to do so, they could be held liable for any injuries that arise in connection with it. If you were hurt at a gas station due to the owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit under the theory of premises liability to hold them accountable for the damages you suffered.
Common Causes of Slips, Trips, and Falls at Gas Stations
If the owner of a gas station knows—or should know—of a hazardous condition on their property, they have a duty to make repairs in a timely manner or place a sign to warn customers of the danger. If they do not remedy or warn about the hazard, and a customer suffers injuries as a result, the owner may be held responsible for the injuries that occur.
There are several common causes of gas station slips, trips, and falls, including the following:
- Poor lighting around the gas pump
- Water or liquid spills in the convenience store area
- Oil and gas spills that create slick surfaces
- Obstructed walkways
- Broken steps
- Potholes and uneven walkways
- Poorly designed parking lots
- Damaged handrails
Gas station trip or slip and fall injuries can be serious. They can range from sprains and strains to broken bones, concussions, lacerations, fractures, back injuries, and paralysis. These types of injuries can require extensive medical treatment and result in loss of time from work. By filing a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover the damages you suffered due to your injuries.
Commencing a Personal Injury Case for a Gas Station Slip and Fall or Trip and Fall
If you have been hurt at a gas station or on-site convenience store, you should take several initial steps in anticipation of filing a personal injury claim. You should report the incident to the manager and obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses. If possible, take photos or videos of the condition that caused your slip or trip and fall.
Importantly, even if you don’t think you are hurt, you should seek prompt medical attention — some injuries do not appear until days or weeks later. By going to the emergency room following a trip or slip and fall, not only can your doctor rule out any internal injuries, but the medical documentation you receive will be crucial to building a personal injury claim.
If you can establish that the negligence of the gas station owner, manager, or another responsible party caused you to sustain injuries, you may be entitled to recover a wide variety of damages in a personal injury action. For example, you may be eligible to recover the economic damages you suffered in connection with your medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages. You may also be awarded compensation for your non-economic damages, including the pain and suffering you experienced due to your injuries.
Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a gas station slip or trip and fall accident, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side who can work to obtain the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at the Dearie Law Firm, P.C. are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.
The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation.