If you were injured at Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota, you may have a premises liability claim if a dangerous property condition caused your accident. However, being injured at a shopping mall does not automatically make the property owner or a store responsible. You generally must show that negligence contributed to your injuries.
Below are answers to common questions about shopping mall premises liability claims.
Who Can Be Responsible for an Injury at Southdale Center?
Responsibility depends on where and how the accident happened. Different businesses or entities may control different parts of a shopping center.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The mall owner or operator
- A store or restaurant
- A property management company
- A cleaning or maintenance contractor
- A security company
More than one party may share responsibility. Identifying who controlled the area where the accident occurred can be an important part of determining liability.
What Do I Have to Prove in a Southdale Center Premises Liability Case?
You generally must show that the party responsible for the property was negligent and that its negligence caused your injury.
For example, a claim may involve showing that a property owner or business knew or reasonably should have known about a dangerous condition but failed to fix it or adequately warn visitors.
Evidence may include photographs, surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance records, witness statements, and medical records.
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys has over 80 years of combined experience and has recovered more than $90 million for injured clients. Our attorneys can investigate what happened and determine whether you may have a premises liability claim.
What Types of Hazards Can Cause Shopping Mall Injuries?
Shopping mall accidents can result from temporary hazards or problems caused by inadequate maintenance.
Common examples include:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Snow and ice
- Uneven flooring
- Broken stairs or handrails
- Escalator or elevator problems
- Falling merchandise
- Poor lighting
- Parking lot hazards
The presence of a dangerous condition does not necessarily establish negligence. How long the hazard existed and whether the responsible party knew or should have known about it can affect the claim.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?
Yes, in some cases, because Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under Minnesota Statutes § 604.01, you can generally recover damages if your fault is not greater than the fault of the party you are seeking compensation from. If so, your damages are reduced according to your percentage of fault.
For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but are 20% responsible, your recovery could be reduced to $80,000.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Mall Injury?
A premises liability claim may provide compensation for the financial and personal effects of your injury.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent impairment
The compensation available depends on your injuries and the losses caused by the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After an Accident at Southdale Center?
Report the accident to mall management or the business where it occurred and seek medical attention. If possible, photograph the dangerous condition and obtain contact information from witnesses. You should also keep medical records, bills, receipts, and any incident reports.
What if I Slipped on Snow or Ice Outside the Mall?
You may have a premises liability claim if negligence contributed to the dangerous condition. Where you fell, weather conditions, maintenance practices, and who controlled the area can all affect liability.
Can a Store Be Responsible Instead of the Mall?
Yes. A store or restaurant may be responsible for a dangerous condition within an area it controls. The mall owner or another entity may instead be responsible for hazards in common areas.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Minnesota has deadlines for filing premises liability lawsuits, but the applicable deadline can depend on the circumstances and legal basis of the claim. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help you determine which deadline applies.
Contact an Edina Premises Liability Lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were injured at Southdale Center because of a dangerous property condition, Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys have over eight decades of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions for injured clients.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Edina premises liability lawyer.
We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina. We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and their surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320, St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203, Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198