New Jersey Woman Receives Large Settlement After Slipping on Broken Egg at Store

Retail establishments selling discounted products in no-frills environments have become increasingly popular throughout the United States. These businesses are known as “dollar stores,” partly because two of the most popular chains are Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Even if not everything is sold for a dollar anymore, many people rely on these stores for basic needs, including food.

Though dollar stores sell food like larger supermarkets, they are often operated on a shoestring and lack the personnel and policies to avoid safety hazards. In many cases, there might only be one or two employees working at a dollar store, meaning that spills and merchandise that falls into the narrow aisles might not be addressed for a long time. Likewise, lighting often is not sufficient, creating a risk for older shoppers and other with poor vision.

A New Jersey woman learned this lesson in a painful way as she slipped on a broken egg at an East Brunswick Dollar Tree. In her fall, Peggy Brown suffered spinal damage that led her to file a lawsuit against the store. In her deposition, the 69-year-old Brown said she did not see the egg on the floor as she reached to open the door to a refrigerator holding cold cuts and other foods. Though Dollar Tree originally contended that her back problems were caused by a pre-existing condition, the company eventually settled with Brown for $1.75 million. 

Dollar General and Dollar Tree might seem like low-budget operations, but both are extremely profitable companies with more than 15,000 locations each. If you are injured at one of their stores or at another discount establishment, don’t let yourself be pressured in to an unfair settlement. The best way to obtain the full amount you deserve is to consult with a New Jersey attorney who has successfully litigated premises liability claims against supermarkets, shopping malls and other retail establishments. 

Seigel Law in Ridgewood represents clients throughout Bergen County and other New Jersey communities in personal injury claims arising from slip and fall accidents. If you were hurt at a dollar store, a supermarket or any other type of business, we will review the facts and advise as to what type of compensation you should demand. From there, our lawyers will work diligently in pursuit of a full financial recovery. Please call {PHONE) or contact us online for a free consultation.