Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known for deep discounts, long lines, and, unfortunately, chaos. While many shoppers walk away with deals on TVs and kitchen appliances, others walk away with something far less exciting: injuries.
Between overcrowded aisles, stampeding crowds, distracted drivers in packed parking lots, and overloaded shelves, Black Friday can turn dangerous fast. But what happens if you’re injured while shopping? Who’s responsible, and what can you do about it?
Let’s break it down.
When the Bargains Turn Risky: Store Owners’ Responsibility
Retailers love Black Friday. The promise of early bird deals and doorbusters brings massive foot traffic, literally. But with that traffic comes responsibility.
Under premises liability law, store owners have a legal duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for customers. That includes preparing for the increased risk that comes with Black Friday crowds.
Store responsibilities include:
- Crowd Control: If you’re advertising a major sale that attracts hundreds of people, you’re expected to plan for it: think line barriers, security personnel, and organized entry.
- Safe Store Layouts: Narrow aisles, unstable displays, and cluttered walkways are recipes for trips, falls, or being pinned by a cart.
- Parking Lot Safety: From directing traffic to ensuring adequate lighting and signage, stores must also consider customer safety outside their doors.
- Staff Training: Employees should receive training to effectively manage crowds, respond to injuries promptly, and report hazards promptly.
When stores fail to take these steps, injuries can and do occur, and they may be held legally liable.
Real Examples of Black Friday Injuries
Unfortunately, the headlines speak for themselves. Over the years, Black Friday has become known for more than just price tags.
- Walmart, 2008: A tragic example. A crowd of over 2,000 people broke down the doors of a Long Island Walmart. A temporary employee was trampled to death. Others, including a pregnant woman, were injured.
- Target, 2011: Shoppers reported being pepper-sprayed by a fellow customer trying to get an edge on a video game deal.
- Parking Lot Incidents: Every year, there are multiple reports of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, and even fights breaking out over parking spaces.
- Falling Merchandise: In some cases, stores overload shelves or improperly stack heavy items. When those displays fall, customers get hurt.
These aren’t just random accidents; they’re often the result of poor planning, lack of oversight, or outright negligence.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Store or Parking Lot
If your shopping trip ends in injury instead of savings, don’t just shrug it off. Whether you were pushed in a crowd, slipped on a wet floor, or got hit by a car in a jam-packed lot, your actions immediately after the incident matter.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, don’t wait. Adrenaline can mask pain, and you’ll want official documentation of your condition.
Report the Incident to Store Management
Make sure it’s logged and ask for a copy of the report if possible. This creates a paper trail connecting your injury to the store.
Take Photos or Videos
If you can, document the scene. Capture the conditions that contributed to your injury, including crowds, wet floors, cluttered aisles, lack of signage, etc.
Get Witness Information
If others saw what happened, their statements may help support your claim later. Ask for names and contact info.
Avoid Giving Detailed Statements to Insurers or Store Representatives
You’re not obligated to give a recorded statement on the spot. Stick to the facts and contact a personal injury attorney before discussing the incident in detail.
Chaos vs. Negligence: Where’s the Line?
Let’s be real, some level of madness is expected on Black Friday. Pushing through crowds and scrambling for deals may be part of the cultural experience, unfortunately. However, there’s a legal distinction between expected hustle and bustle and preventable danger.
For example:
- A store expecting a big crowd but failing to hire security or use barriers? That’s poor planning—and potentially negligence.
- Slipping on a spill that was left unattended in a busy aisle? That’s a hazard that should have been cleaned up.
- Being struck by a cart because employees were rushing without regard for customer safety? That’s not just unfortunate; it may be grounds for liability.
- Injuries that result from a store’s failure to anticipate risk or maintain a safe environment aren’t just bad luck; they may be the result of negligence.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured while shopping on Black Friday, it’s worth speaking with a personal injury attorney, especially if:
- Your injuries required medical treatment
- The store’s conditions were clearly unsafe
- You’re getting the runaround from insurance or corporate reps
- You’re unsure of your rights and next steps
A qualified attorney can help you figure out if the store or property owner failed in their legal duty to keep you safe, and help you pursue compensation if they did.
Bottom Line
Black Friday might be all about deals, but your health and safety shouldn’t come at a discount. While the rush for savings is real, retailers have a responsibility to manage the madness responsibly. If they don’t, and you get hurt, you have options.
So whether you’re chasing the best deals or just tagging along with someone who is, stay alert, stay safe, and remember: no bargain is worth a trip to the ER. But if you do find yourself injured in the chaos, know that you’re not alone and help is available.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.
