Call us 24/7Margaret, 72, was shopping for groceries at the Save-A-Lot on Busch Boulevard when she slipped on a wet spot near the produce section. The fall broke her hip, leading to surgery, months of physical therapy, and a permanent change in her quality of life. What she didn’t know was that Florida law holds stores like Save-A-Lot to a higher standard when it comes to protecting elderly customers.
If you or a loved one suffered a hip fracture at Save-A-Lot in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, understanding your rights can help you get the compensation you deserve for this life-changing injury.
Why Hip Fractures Are So Serious for Elderly Customers
Hip fractures are among the most devastating injuries an elderly person can suffer. Unlike younger people who often recover fully, seniors face unique challenges that make these injuries particularly severe.
The harsh reality of hip fractures in elderly patients:
- 20% of hip fracture patients die within one year of their injury
- 50% never regain their previous level of mobility
- Many require long-term care or assisted living
- The average hospital stay is 12-17 days
- Recovery can take 6 months to 2 years
For elderly customers shopping at Save-A-Lot, a simple slip and fall can mean the difference between independent living and needing full-time care. This is why Florida premises liability law recognizes that stores must take extra precautions to protect older customers.
Save-A-Lot’s Special Duty to Elderly Customers
Under Florida premises liability law, business owners like Save-A-Lot have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for customers. But when it comes to elderly shoppers, this duty becomes even more important.
Florida courts have recognized that stores must consider:
- The increased fragility of elderly customers
- Slower reaction times that make it harder to avoid hazards
- Vision and mobility issues that make navigation more difficult
- The catastrophic nature of injuries when elderly people fall
Save-A-Lot locations in Tampa and throughout Florida serve many elderly customers living on fixed incomes. The store knows its customer base includes vulnerable seniors, which means they have a heightened responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
Common Hazards That Cause Hip Fractures at Save-A-Lot
Save-A-Lot stores, like many discount grocery chains, sometimes cut corners on maintenance and safety. This can create dangerous conditions that are especially hazardous for elderly customers.
Wet and Slippery Floors
Grocery stores deal with spills constantly, but proper cleanup and warning signs are essential. Common problems include:
- Leaks from refrigerated cases that aren’t promptly cleaned
- Customers tracking in rainwater on rainy days
- Produce misting systems that create slippery conditions
- Inadequate warning signs or wet floor barriers
Poor Lighting
Elderly customers need good lighting to navigate safely. Problems we’ve seen in Save-A-Lot locations include:
- Burned-out bulbs that aren’t replaced quickly
- Dim lighting in aisles and near freezer sections
- Poor lighting in parking lots and entrance areas
Uneven or Damaged Flooring
Flooring issues that might cause a younger person to stumble can cause devastating falls for seniors:
- Torn or curled floor mats
- Uneven transitions between different floor surfaces
- Broken or missing tiles
- Debris left in aisles
Proving Save-A-Lot’s Negligence in Hip Fracture Cases
To win a premises liability case against Save-A-Lot in Florida, you must prove four key elements:
| Element | What You Must Show |
| Duty | Save-A-Lot owed you a duty of care as a customer |
| Breach | They failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions |
| Causation | The dangerous condition caused your fall and injury |
| Damages | You suffered actual injuries and losses |
Evidence that helps prove negligence includes:
- Security camera footage of your fall
- Photos of the hazardous condition
- Witness statements from other customers or employees
- Store incident reports (though these often minimize the store’s fault)
- Maintenance records showing delayed repairs
- Your medical records documenting the hip fracture and treatment
The True Cost of Hip Fractures for Elderly Victims
Hip fractures in elderly patients often involve much higher damages than similar injuries in younger people. Florida law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages typically include:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Long-term care or assisted living costs
- Medical equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, or home modifications
- Lost income if you were still working
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and depression
- Loss of independence and mobility
For elderly hip fracture victims, these damages can easily reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when long-term care becomes necessary.
Why You Need an Experienced Tampa Bay Premises Liability Attorney
Save-A-Lot and their insurance company will try to minimize your claim or deny responsibility entirely. They might argue that:
- You weren’t watching where you were going
- The hazard was “open and obvious”
- Your age or medical conditions caused the fall
- Your injuries were pre-existing
An experienced premises liability attorney knows how to counter these defenses and fight for fair compensation. They can also ensure all evidence is preserved and that you don’t miss Florida’s two-year statute of limitations for filing your lawsuit.
Time Is Critical in Save-A-Lot Hip Fracture Cases
Evidence disappears quickly after a grocery store accident. Security footage gets recorded over, witnesses forget details, and hazardous conditions get fixed. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better chance you have of building a strong case.
Remember, you only have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in Florida. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.
Get the Help You Need Today
Hip fractures can rob elderly victims of their independence and quality of life. If you or a loved one suffered this devastating injury at a Save-A-Lot location in Tampa, don’t let the store avoid responsibility for their negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident at Save-A-Lot in Tampa, Hillsborough County, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, contact Chris Ligori & Associates at 813-223-2929 or ChrisLigoriLaw.com for a free consultation. Our experienced premises liability attorneys understand the unique challenges elderly accident victims face and will fight to get you the compensation you need for your recovery.
Legal Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Every motorcycle accident case is different, and the outcome depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. For advice about your particular situation, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the details of your case.
