News outlets report that 2021’s holiday shopping season is expected to be a big one. But when you mix supply-chain disruptions, an ongoing pandemic, and inflation you get a messy version of Black Friday. Below are some predictions from retail experts:
- Supplies will be limited — the COVID-19 pandemic has delays and shortages in products, causing stores to pivot their marketing and sales strategies. Expect a limited supply in styles, sizes, and variations of items;
- Online sales will exceed in-store sales — the shopping trends on Black Friday have been favoring online purchases and this will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
- Holiday shopping will be a marathon — holiday sales will last for several days, maybe even the entire month of November, spreading out savings for a long time. That does not mean, however, that items ordered will arrive by Christmas.
Black Friday Injuries
While online shopping has increased significantly, many people still visit brick-and-mortar stores for the best holiday deals. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that, according to a survey it conducted, 108 million people plan to shop either in-store or online on Black Friday. The survey revealed that 66% of holiday shoppers plan on shopping during Thanksgiving weekend. Unfortunately, when people wait outside of stores for hours–sometimes overnight–the mad rush to get into the store once the doors open can be dangerous and lead to serious injuries. If you are injured on Black Friday while shopping for the holiday season’s deals, it is more likely than not that the store can be held liable for injuries that you suffer.
OSHA Guidelines
After an incident on Black Friday that resulted in a store security guard being trampled to death by the crowd and a $2 million settlement, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued Black Friday guidelines for retailers. These guidelines include:
- Not blocking or locking exit doors;
- Training security personnel when large crows are expected;
- Using lines or barricades some distance from the store’s entrance;
- Using and implementing crowd control measures before customers start showing up;
- Not admitting more customers when the store’s maximum occupancy is reached; and
- Putting emergency procedures in place for the holiday sale season.
Even if all of the above guidelines are put in place by a retailer, someone can still get hurt on Black Friday and the store could be held responsible for harm suffered.
Black Friday Injuries
There are many ways in which someone can be hurt during a Black Friday sale. The injuries suffered during such an event can range from minor to very serious. The types of injuries may include:
- Slip and fall at the entrance of the store;
- Trip and fall when being pushed by a crowd trying to enter the store;
- Slipping on wet or icy pavement or tile floor in the store;
- Injured in a fight over products in the store – either as a participant or a bystander.
All of the above are examples of injuries that could result from in-person Black Friday shopping and could be deemed the fault of the retailer because many issues should have been anticipated before the holiday sale event.
Las Vegas Attorneys
If you are hurt in a Black Friday sale, or any other type of accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at H&P Law. Set up a no-obligation appointment by contacting our firm. We can help you recover the best monetary compensation available by law.
