Slip on Water at Retail Checkout Leads to Severe Injuries

Case Overview

This case revolves around an individual who suffered bodily injuries after slipping on water that had pooled on the floor near a cooler while using a self-checkout at a large retail establishment. The individual, who had previously undergone neck fusions, required another fusion following the incident, resulting in significant time away from work. Allegations against the retailer include failure to implement standard safety precautions to clean the liquid and a lack of warnings to customers regarding the hazard. An expert in retail safety is being consulted to assess the situation and provide a report on the incident.

Questions to the Security expert and their responses

Please describe your experience in retail safety, specifically as it pertains to cleaning up spills and leaks, if applicable.

I have over 40 years of experience in the retail safety and security industry. Previously, I served as a regional safety specialist for a major national retailer, overseeing over 150 store locations across the West Coast. In this role, I was responsible for reviewing and analyzing incidents such as slips and falls, worker injuries, and other safety-related matters that could pose potential risks or losses to the company. I contributed to the development of policies and procedures aimed at maintaining safe store environments, documenting incidents, managing customer injuries, and monitoring incident frequency and associated costs.

What industry standards should be in place to prevent a slip and fall in a retail setting?

This case will depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to: 1) how long the water was on the floor before the customer slipped 2) when was the last employee in the area of the spill 3) how did the liquid get on the floor 4) was there CCTV covering the area in question 5) what were the policies and procedures of the retailer in terms of safety inspections or patrols, and 6) was there any warning that the spill had occurred. These are just a few of the areas to review before an opinion can be formulated.

About the expert

This expert has over 40 years of experience in retail security and security systems. They earned a BS in criminology from a California university before starting their career in the field. Currently, they are an active member of several professional organizations, including national and international retail and security associations. Their past roles include serving as a security manager at a major department store and holding various asset protection leadership positions at a large national retailer. More recently, they have held senior leadership positions overseeing security and loss prevention at prominent property management and security firms. Today, they own and operate a Florida-based security services company specializing in shopping center security, where they provide services such as security audits, system design, and crisis response support.

E-636264

Specialties:

Security

Celia Guo is the Vice President of Multidisciplinary Research at Expert Institute. With a background rooted in public policy and criminal justice, Celia brings a wealth of experience in data-driven legal analysis. Prior to joining The Expert Institute, she conducted research for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, focusing on drug diversion cases, and collaborated with the American Civil Liberties Union to analyze officer-involved shootings in Fresno, California. Her policy advocacy work also includes lobbying with the Drug Policy Alliance for the RISE Act, aimed at reforming sentencing enhancements for minor drug offenses.

Celia holds a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and an M.P.P. from the University of Southern California. She combines her policy expertise with a passion for justice to lead a dynamic research team that supports litigation strategy across a wide range of practice areas.