When merchandise falls from a store shelf, it’s easy for employees to dismiss the incident as an isolated occurrence. In reality, even a lightweight item can cause serious harm when it drops from overhead. Many people who suffer head and neck injuries from fallen merchandise leave the store feeling embarrassed or rattled, not realizing they’ve been injured until later. That impact can damage the brain, spine, nerves, muscles, and soft tissue. Acting quickly—both medically and legally—can make a significant difference in your recovery and in the strength of your claim.
Read on to learn about types of injuries, preserving evidence, and the types of compensation available after suffering from one of these injuries.
Common Head and Neck Injuries from Fallen Merchandise
When fallen merchandise hits your head, an injury can occur in vulnerable areas like the head, neck, shoulders, eyes, and spine. Injuries can include:
1. Head Injuries
Concussions, skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and migraines are possible results of these accidents. Some people feel symptoms immediately, while others don’t realize something is wrong until later in the day.
2. Neck and Spine Injuries
Whiplash, herniated discs, nerve compression, and various spinal injuries can happen when the neck is forced into sudden motion.
3. Shoulder or Arm Injuries
Many victims instinctively throw their arms up to protect themselves. While natural, that reaction can cause fractures, ligament tears, or rotator cuff injuries.
4. Eye Injuries
Debris, dust, or bits of packaging can irritate or scratch the eyes, sometimes leading to temporary or lasting vision problems.
Steps to Take after Head and Neck Injuries from Fallen Merchandise
The moments after the accident are incredibly important. What you do next can either strengthen or weaken your injury claim. Here’s what you need to do when you or a loved one are injured in a store:
1. Call for assistance
If you feel dizzy, confused, or unsteady, avoid moving too quickly. Ask an employee or nearby shopper to call for help.
2. Request an incident report
Stores are required to document injuries. Make sure the report accurately reflects what happened and that your statement is included.
3. Photograph the scene
Capture photos of the scene, making sure to include the shelf and the items.
4. Seek medical care promptly
Symptoms from head and neck injuries from fallen merchandise can develop gradually. Seeing a medical professional right away protects your health and provides evidence for your injury claim.
5. Speak with a lawyer who handles retail negligence
Stores often downplay or deny responsibility. An experienced Louisiana injury attorney knows how to preserve evidence before it disappears and how to protect your rights.
How We Prove Liability in Fallen Merchandise Cases
Under premises liability, stores owe a duty of care that their stores are kept safe to prevent injuries. When they fail to do so, it creates unsafe conditions. At Mike Brandner Law, our investigation typically includes collecting:
- Surveillance video
- Stocking and restocking logs
- Store safety manuals and training materials
- Witness statements from employees and customers
- Prior complaint history
- Inspection and maintenance records
When combined, this evidence can reveal whether the store ignored safety warnings, overloaded shelves, or failed to follow basic industry protocols.
Louisiana’s statute of limitations gives injured shoppers a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. For any personal injury claim filed after July 1, 2024, the deadline is two years. Incidents that occurred before that date must follow the previous one-year rule. Because evidence disappears quickly and deadlines vary, beginning your case as soon as possible is critical.
Compensation in Personal Injury Claims
Depending on your situation, compensation may be available for:
- Medical bills
- Follow-up medical care and imaging
- Neurological evaluations or physical therapy
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Long-term disability or chronic pain
- Pain and suffering
Because head and neck injuries from fallen merchandise can lead to long-lasting or permanent health issues, it’s crucial to understand the full value of your claim before accepting any offer.
Call Mike Brandner Law for Fallen Merchandise Cases
You can focus on healing while we handle the legal side—proving fault, protecting your rights, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. When merchandise falls and you’re injured, we know how to Get JU$TICE.
Contact a New Orleans personal injury lawyer from Mike Brandner Law today for a free consultation. We serve clients in cities located in parishes throughout Louisiana, to include Metairie, Hammond, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge. Give us a call at (504) 345-1111 to get started. You can also reach us via LiveChat or use our secure online contact form to get in touch.