A routine shopping trip should never end in a serious injury. When stores fail to secure their merchandise properly, however, falling objects can cause painful and even life-altering harm. Heavy boxes, improperly stacked products, and unstable shelving can turn a simple store visit into a medical emergency.

If you were hurt by falling merchandise in Northbrook, turn to Stein & Shulman, LLC. We leverage our legal skills and knowledge of Illinois premises liability law to hold store owners accountable for failing to provide a safe environment for patrons and visitors. 

When you become our client, we will provide compassionate, effective representation and fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Falling Merchandise Accidents

Stores and warehouses should be designed with customer safety in mind. When that doesn’t happen, accidents become more likely. Some of the most common causes of falling merchandise injuries include:

  • Negligent stocking practices – Overloaded shelves, unstable stacking, and heavy items placed too high can create dangerous conditions.
  • Poor store layout – Narrow aisles, unsecured displays, and overcrowded areas increase the risk of falling objects.
  • Failure to secure heavy merchandise – Large items can become unstable and fail without safety bars or proper bracing.
  • Employee negligence – Rushed or careless stocking, improper handling of products, or failure to warn customers can contribute to injuries.
  • Lack of warning signs – Stores should post clear signs when restocking is in progress or when there is a risk of falling objects.

Retailers and property owners are responsible for ensuring that merchandise is stored and displayed safely. Injured customers have the right to take legal action when they fail to do so.

Common Injuries from Falling Merchandise

A falling object can cause serious harm, even if it doesn’t seem heavy. The force of impact can result in painful and lasting injuries, including:

  • Head and brain injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can occur if an item falls from above.
  • Neck and back injuries – A sudden impact can lead to whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage.
  • Broken bones – Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or face are common in these accidents.
  • Lacerations and bruising – Sharp edges or heavy objects can cause deep cuts and painful bruising.
  • Shoulder and joint injuries—The force of a falling item can cause torn ligaments, dislocations, or sprains.

Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to long-term pain, lost wages, and costly medical bills. No one should suffer because a store fails to take basic safety precautions.

Who Is Liable for a Falling Merchandise Accident in Northbrook?

Determining who is responsible for an injury caused by falling merchandise depends on the circumstances. In many cases, multiple parties may be at fault, including:

  • Retail stores and supermarkets—Store owners and operators are responsible for safely storing merchandise. If a store’s negligence causes an injury, it may be liable.
  • Store employees and managers: They could share responsibility if staff members fail to stock shelves properly or ignore safety protocols.
  • Property owners or landlords – If unsafe shelving, poor maintenance, or defective fixtures contributed to the accident, the property owner might be held accountable.
  • Product manufacturers – The equipment manufacturer could be responsible if a defective shelving unit or display caused merchandise to fall.

Liability isn’t always apparent, so a detailed investigation is essential to building a strong case. At Stein & Shulman, LLC, we gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and consult industry professionals to determine who should be held accountable.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of falling merchandise accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses. A successful claim can help cover the following:

  • Medical expenses – Hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs.
  • Lost wages – Compensation for income lost during recovery.
  • Pain and suffering – Damages for physical and emotional distress.
  • Disability and long-term care costs – If injuries result in permanent impairment.
  • Wrongful death benefits – If a falling merchandise accident led to a fatal injury, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation.

Injured customers shouldn’t bear the financial burden of an accident they didn’t cause. Our team fights to ensure that victims receive the full amount they deserve.

Contact Our Northbrook Premises Liability Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries from falling merchandise in a store, Stein & Shulman is here to help. We offer a free consultation and will not charge an attorney fee until we win compensation for you. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.