The Christmas season brings joy, excitement, and busy shopping trips as families prepare to celebrate together. But crowded stores, wet entrances, dark parking lots, and holiday rush can also create unsafe conditions — leading to slip-and-fall injuries and other accidents that catch people off guard.
At The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, we want you to enjoy this season safely and understand your rights if an injury happens while you’re out shopping. No one expects to get hurt during a holiday outing, but knowing what to do can protect your health, your peace of mind, and your legal rights.
Holiday Hazards: Why December Increases the Risk of Store Injuries
With increased foot traffic, rainy weather, and busy employees, hazards become more common in stores and parking lots during December. Some of the most frequent causes of holiday injuries include:
- Wet or slippery floors from rain, snow, or holiday drink spills
- Crowded aisles and tripping hazards
- Poor lighting in parking lots
- Loose rugs, cords, or uneven floors
- Lack of security in busy areas
- Ice or water near store entrances
- Debris from holiday displays or stocking activities
Even though accidents happen, businesses have a responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe for shoppers — especially during the busiest season of the year.
What to Do Immediately If You’re Injured While Shopping
A fall or injury can be embarrassing or disorienting, but your actions right afterward can make a major difference in your recovery and your legal options.
1. Notify a store manager immediately.
Don’t leave the store without letting someone know. Ask for the incident to be documented.
2. Take photos and videos.
Capture the hazard that caused the injury — wet floors, lack of warning signs, poor lighting, debris, or uneven surfaces.
3. Ask for witness names.
If anyone saw the fall, their statements may be crucial later.
4. Request available footage.
Most stores have cameras. Ask management to preserve video from the area and time of the incident.
5. Seek medical care.
Even minor injuries can worsen later. Documentation from a doctor supports your health and your claim.
6. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing.
Stores and insurers may try to minimize responsibility. Stick to the facts.
7. Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurers.
Alabama’s contributory negligence laws are strict — meaning that insurance companies may try to argue you were partly at fault to deny compensation. Having legal guidance early helps protect your rights.
Who Is Legally Responsible When You’re Injured in a Store?
Under Alabama premises liability law, businesses must:
- Maintain safe walkways and entrances
- Clean spills in a timely manner
- Provide adequate lighting
- Place proper warning signs
- Keep aisles clear
- Provide reasonable security
If the store knew about a hazard — or should have known — and failed to fix it, they may be responsible for your injuries.
This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impacts.
Faith, Gratitude, and Safety This Season
The Christmas season is meant to be filled with joy, peace, and time with the people we love — not unexpected injuries or worries.
As Scripture reminds us:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” — Psalm 28:7
Our hope is that you enjoy a safe holiday, shop with awareness, and know that if something goes wrong, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Here for Our Neighbors, Always
If you or a loved one is injured in a store or parking lot this Christmas season, we’re here to stand beside you — with integrity, compassion, and courage.
📞 Request a Free Case Evaluation: (251) 928-5588
🌐 www.dasingerdefense.com
Content checked by Brian A. Dasinger, personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger.
Brian Dasinger is the founder of The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, a trusted law firm serving clients throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama. Since 2005, Brian has built a practice known for compassion, courtroom strength, and relentless advocacy.
With experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Brian brings a powerful perspective to personal injury and criminal defense cases. He’s been recognized among Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Brian stands ready to fight for your future.