We warned you — Black Friday is dangerous. And, as expected, quite a few people were injured while trying to take advantage of some sweet shopping deals this year. While we’re not quite as morbid as BlackFridayDeathCount.com (or as humorous as The Onion), it can be valuable to take a look at this year’s injuries, how they might have been avoided, and what lawsuits may follow.
Here’s a rundown of 2017’s Black Friday injuries:
Shooting, Stabbing in Sears Parking Lot
Houston Police blamed Black Friday for a brawl between two men in a Sears parking lot that led to one of them being shot and the other being stabbed. “We don’t know if they know each other, we don’t know if they got into an argument inside the mall and they came out here, we don’t know any of that,” Sergeant Richard Rodriguez told Houston’s Fox26. “Basically, it’s Black Friday, a lot of people shopping, a lot of activity.” Both men were taken to the hospital, and there may be some assault and battery lawsuits coming, in addition to any criminal charges.
Missouri Mall Mishap
Another shooting at a mall in Columbia — this one after midnight on Thanksgiving — left a Missouri man with life-threatening injuries. At this point, it’s not certain whether the shooting was intentional or accidental, as both men involved knew each other, and the shooting occurred inside a vehicle, possibly while one was trying to holster the weapon. Even unintended shootings can be the subject of injury lawsuits, if the person with the gun was acting negligently.
‘Bama Brawl
Some more shoppers trying to get a head start on Black Friday deals in Alabama ended up shutting down the mall instead. While initial reports of gunshots were debunked, video posted to social media shows two females fighting it out in the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, both sustaining minor injuries. As the New York Post reports:
One witness said the fight happened at a store called Buckle. In the middle of the fight, a shoe flew over the railing and hit a baby one level below — and that sparked a second skirmish, an onlooker said.
And, if you’re wondering, yes — you can sue someone for beating you up.
Hopefully you made it through Black Friday unscathed. If not, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney today.
Related Resources:
- Find Personal Injury Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
- Car Accidents and Cooking Fires: Here’s How You’ll Probably Die on Thanksgiving (Newsweek)
- 7 Tips When Suing a Retail Store for Injuries (FindLaw’s Injured)
- Can I Sue for a Black Friday Injury? (FindLaw’s Injured)
