Injured at a Home Goods Store in Fort Lauderdale? What You Need to Know

If you were injured in a Home Goods store accident in Fort Lauderdale, you might be compensated for your medical bills, time off work, and the pain and suffering you've endured. The premises liability attorneys at Wolfson & Leon help victims hold negligent property owners accountable.

Retail stores like Home Goods are bustling places filled with merchandise, display tables, and foot traffic. But when a store fails to keep its premises safe, shoppers can suffer serious injuries. From slippery floors to falling merchandise, accidents at home décor retailers can lead to long-lasting consequences.

At Wolfson & Leon, our Fort Lauderdale premises liability attorneys fight for victims who were hurt due to negligence. For over 60 years, we've represented people injured in slip-and-fall, trip-and-fall, and other dangerous conditions throughout Florida. If you or someone you love was injured at a Home Goods store, call our Fort Lauderdale office today at 954-530-3918 for a free consultation.

If you get hurt because a store didn't fix something dangerous, that's what premises liability covers. Florida law says business owners have a responsibility to keep their property in good shape so customers don't get injured. This includes cleaning spills, fixing broken shelves, and warning shoppers of hazards.

For a successful premises liability claim, here's what needs to be proven in a case like this:

• The store was responsible for keeping the area safe.
• They didn't fix a dangerous issue.
• That issue caused your injury.
• You ended up with costs or damages, like doctor visits or lost wages.

Florida law expects businesses like HomeGoods to routinely inspect their property. If they ignored a problem or didn't act fast enough, they may be on the hook for your injuries.

Home Goods stores, known for their packed aisles and stacked merchandise, can be accident-prone if not carefully managed. Some common causes of injury in retail environments include:

• Wet or recently mopped floors without warning signs
• Loose rugs or mats near entrances
• Falling merchandise from shelves or displays
• Poor lighting in walkways or parking lots
• Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks outside the store

In Fort Lauderdale, busy shopping centers such as Harbor Shops, Galleria Mall, and strip plazas on Federal Highway (US-1) often house large retailers like Home Goods. The Florida Department of Transportation notes that pedestrian slip and fall accidents are common in high-traffic areas and parking facilities

You can find Home Goods store locations in and around the greater Fort Lauderdale area, including:

• Home Goods at the Coral Ridge Mall: 3200 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
• Home Goods at Oakwood Plaza: 3601 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33020
• Home Goods at The Fountain Shopping Center: 801 S. University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324
• Home Goods at Coral Landings III: 3320 NW 62 Avenue, Margate, FL 33063

Premises liability accidents in retail settings can cause significant and painful injuries, especially for elderly shoppers. Some of the most frequent injuries include:

• Broken bones or fractures, often in wrists, arms, or hips
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from hitting your head during a fall
• Back and spinal injuries, including herniated discs and muscle spasms
• Knee, ankle, or wrist sprains
• Severe cuts or lacerations, sometimes requiring stitches

Seniors are especially vulnerable. A minor-looking fall can result in hospitalization, rehabilitation, or long-term mobility issues.

Premises liability claims can be complicated. Here are a few common challenges that make hiring a lawyer essential:

• Comparative Negligence: Florida law follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine. So if you get hurt but are partly at fault, your compensation is reduced. For example, if the store claims you were looking at your phone rather than watching your step, your settlement could be reduced. Keep in mind that if you are found to share over 50% of the blame, you receive no compensation.
• Proof of Notice: Florida law requires you to prove that the store knew or should have known about the hazard. This is where surveillance videos, maintenance logs, and witness statements become critical.

At Wolfson & Leon, we thoroughly investigate your claim by:

• Securing video footage from the store
• Interviewing witnesses and employees
• Reviewing cleaning schedules and inspection reports
• Teaming up with medical experts to document your injuries
• Negotiating with insurers for full and fair compensation

Under Florida Statute 768.0755, you'll need to show that the store either knew about the dangerous condition or should've known through regular inspections. If they failed to

fix it and you were injured, they may be responsible. You have up to two years to take legal action, so it's important not to wait. This shortened statute of limitations (reduced from four years in 2023) means you must act quickly to protect your rights.

Visit our premises liability resource page to learn more about your legal options.

If you were hurt in a Home Goods accident in Fort Lauderdale, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The experienced attorneys at Wolfson & Leon will stand by your side, fight for your rights, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call our Fort Lauderdale office today at 954-530-3918 to schedule your free consultation.