What if I Have a Lidl Slip and Fall Accident
A recent topic of idle conversation around the Malloy Law offices water cooler has concerned the opening of a new supermarket in the vicinity of our downtown Bethesda offices. Lidl is not just a new member of the Bethesda business community, it’s a growing presence in the American grocery market. This German chain of discount grocery wholesalers has been steadily spreading across Europe since the 1970s and made its entry into the American market in 2017. We’d like to welcome our new neighbor to the broader community of Bethesda businesspeople and consumers. But we’d also like to brief our community members on things to look out for when investigating their new option for grocery shopping. Today’s Malloy Law blog post will inform you of what to expect in the wake of an Lidl slip and fall accident.
A Brief History of Lidl
Lidl can actually trace its history back to the mid-19th century. A man named Anton Lidl operated a firm involved in the import and sale of exotic fruits in the city of Heilbronn, in south-central Germany. In 1930, a man named Josef Schwarz became a partner in the firm and expanded it into a food wholesaler. Stewardship of the firm would pass to Schwarz’s son Dieter, who would initiate a pivot to discount groceries and larger supermarkets in an effort to directly compete with Aldi. Schwarz encountered a branding problem in this period, as his surname literally translates to “black,” making it a somewhat poor choice for a chain of supermarkets (“Black Markets” being something different and rather more unsavory).
Schwarz would find himself legally blocked from obtaining the trademark to the name of his father’s former business partner, Anton Lidl. However, after seeing a newspaper article on a painter and retired schoolteacher named Ludwig Lidl, Schwarz would contact the man and pay him for use of his name. The rest, as they say, is history. Lidl has enjoyed steady growth in the intervening decades and is now a common sight in cities across Europe. Lidl opened it’d American headquarters in Arlington, Virginia in 2015 and now operates 188 stores in the US.
Prioritize Your Health
If you’ve been injured, your first step should always be to take care of yourself. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s best not to take any chances. Seek medical attention right away. A doctor’s evaluation will not only ensure you receive proper care but will also create a formal record linking your injuries to the incident. Without this documentation, insurance companies or opposing parties may try to minimize your injuries or claim they were unrelated to the accident.
Report the Incident Immediately
Notify store employees about the accident as soon as possible. Request that an official incident report be completed, and be sure to obtain a copy for your own records. This report can serve as key evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later.
Document the Scene
Photos and videos can make a major difference in proving what caused your fall. Take clear pictures of the area where the accident occurred, including any visible hazards such as:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Cracked or uneven surfaces
- Loose mats or unsecured rugs
- Poorly stocked or fallen merchandise
- Trash, debris, or other obstructions in walkways
These images can help establish the conditions that led to your injury.
Collect Witness Information
If anyone saw your fall, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can strengthen your case by confirming unsafe conditions or negligent behavior by employees. Their testimony can be particularly valuable in holding the store accountable.
Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Slip and fall cases can be complex, especially when large retail chains and insurance carriers are involved. Speaking with an experienced premises liability attorney—such as the team at Malloy Law Offices—can help protect your rights and ensure your case is handled correctly from the start. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances, identify liable parties, and guide you through every stage of the legal process while you focus on recovery.
How Malloy Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Lidl slip and fall accident, Malloy Law can help. Our experienced personal injury attorney team is standing by to assess your case free of charge. We’ll fight and win just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Contact Malloy Law today and let’s win your case.