Injured at a 24-Hour Store? What Nighttime Shoppers Need to Know About Filing a Claim
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps—and neither do many of its grocery and convenience stores. Whether you are grabbing snacks after a show or shopping for essentials during the graveyard shift, 24-hour stores offer the convenience of round-the-clock access. But with that convenience comes an increased risk of injury, especially during late-night hours when staffing is minimal and store maintenance may be lacking. If you’re injured at a 24-hour store in Las Vegas, you may have the right to file a premises liability claim and seek compensation. Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys at Mainor Ellis are here to help you with your claim.
Common Nighttime Hazards in 24-Hour Stores
Late-night shoppers often encounter more hazards than daytime customers. Reduced staffing levels, limited supervision, and delayed cleanup efforts can all contribute to dangerous conditions. Common causes of injury in 24-hour stores include:
- Slippery floors from mopping or spills left unattended
- Poor lighting in parking lots or aisles
- Stocking equipment or merchandise left in walkways
- Malfunctioning automatic doors
- Lack of security personnel in higher-crime areas
These hazards can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, lacerations, or even spinal damage—especially when employees are too busy or too few to address them promptly.
The Store’s Legal Duty to Keep You Safe
Under Nevada law, property owners and store operators have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for customers, regardless of the time of day. That includes inspecting the premises, fixing known hazards, and warning customers of dangers that cannot be immediately addressed.
When a store fails to uphold this duty and a customer is injured as a result, the store can be held liable for damages through a premises liability claim. This includes injuries that occur during nighttime hours, when poor staffing and negligence may be more likely to contribute to unsafe conditions.
Proving Negligence in a Nighttime Store Injury Claim
To succeed in a claim, you must generally prove:
- The store owed you a duty of care (as a business invitee, this is automatic).
- The store breached that duty by failing to correct or warn of a dangerous condition.
- The breach directly caused your injury.
- You suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
For example, if you slip on a spill that was left uncleaned for hours due to inadequate overnight staffing, the store may be found negligent for failing to maintain a safe environment.
What to Do After a Nighttime Injury
If you’re injured at a 24-hour store in Las Vegas, take the following steps:
- Report the incident to store management immediately.
- Ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
Let Mainor Ellis Help You Seek Justice
Injuries at 24-hour stores are often the result of avoidable negligence. At Mainor Ellis, we understand how to handle these complex cases and hold negligent businesses accountable. If you were injured during a late-night shopping trip, contact our Las Vegas office for a free consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Source:
nvbar.org/for-the-public/find-a-lawyer/lrs/negligence/
