What you need to Know Following a Slip and Fall Accident at A Large Department Store Such as Costco

If you are injured at a store such as Costco following a slip and fall accident, Ontario Occupier’s Liability Act sets out the path towards seeking compensation. Stores such as Costco have business liability insurance which covers them against slip and fall and other types of lawsuits. You will need to prove that the store did not practice the highest duty of care, leading to the accident.

Common Injuries in Costco Warehouses

Costco Wholesale Corporation, which trades as Costco, is an American multinational corporation with a string of membership-only warehouse clubs. It is the 2nd largest retailer in the world after Walmart and is the largest retailer when it comes to organic foods, prime beef, wine, and rotisserie chicken.

In Canada, Costco has over 100 warehouses. Canada is also home to Costco’s first Business Center outside the U.S. in Scarborough, Toronto which was opened in 2017. Costco offers great deals and savings to its members and is a very popular place to shop. However, as is the case with most major retail stores, accidents are commonplace. Common injuries in Costco warehouses include:

• High traffic leads to slick conditions when the weather is wet outside as shoppers drag slush, snow, and rain across the floor
• Unpacked merchandise sitting on the floor waiting to be put on shelves
• The big space means spills in aisles can go unnoticed for long periods of time
• Washed floors could lead to slip and fall accidents, especially when “Wet Floor” signs are not put in place when the floors are drying
• Snow and ice on the parking lots and on walkways could cause slips

What to do after a Slip and Fall Accident

If you are injured at a store such as Costco following a slip and fall accident, Ontario Occupier’s Liability Act sets out the path towards seeking compensation. Stores such as Costco have business liability insurance which covers them against slip and fall and other types of lawsuits. You will need to prove that the store did not practice the highest duty of care, leading to the accident.

Report the slip and fall accident immediately to the appropriate store personnel. If your injuries prevent you from doing this, get a copy of the report as soon as possible.

Gather relevant evidence while it is still fresh. This includes pictures of the accident scene and your injuries and accident-related bills and medical records. You should also get contacts of anybody who may have witnessed the accident because eyewitness testimony is seen to be unbiased and goes a long way in determining fault.

Hire a lawyer to represent you in the claim. A lawyer has the training and the experience necessary to win a claim. A lawyer will help conduct necessary investigations, gather relevant evidence and advocate on your behalf against large and resourceful insurers, to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve and that you do not sell yourself short. Your lawyer will serve on the insurer a claim along with all the relevant loss substantiation records once you file the claim to help you prove your case.

At Grillo Law, we have over 30-years experience successfully representing clients in slip and fall accident claims. If we feel we cannot negotiate a fair settlement of your claim, we will escalate the claim to a lawsuit and pursue litigation and prosecute your claim.

You can reach us at (416) 614-6000 or [email protected] for a FREE consultative session.