By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Personal Injury Attorney | Shin Law Office
When you visit Tanglewood Mall, you expect a safe environment.
You expect clean walkways, bright lighting, and a mall management team that pays attention to obvious hazards.
Unfortunately, many of the injuries I see from this location involve the exact opposite.
Slick tile floors, dull lighting, and neglected maintenance combine to create hazardous conditions that often lead to severe head injuries.
As an attorney who handles premises liability throughout Virginia, I have seen how fast a simple fall can change someone’s life.
A single hidden puddle or a shadowed walkway is all it takes.
Why Slippery Tile at Tanglewood Mall Is So Dangerous
Tanglewood Mall uses smooth ceramic tile throughout the building.
This material looks attractive, but it becomes hazardous under standard conditions.
I have seen clients injured after the floors became slippery because:
• Visitors track in rainwater
• A spill near the food court is ignored
• Cleaning crews leave floors damp without proper signage
• Waxing products add a glossy, unsafe surface
Even a thin layer of moisture on tile can cause a sudden loss of traction.
When that slip occurs, people often fall backward, meaning the head, neck, and upper spine take the full force.
Poor Lighting Makes the Hazard Even Worse
When lighting is dim, flickering, or outdated, your eyes cannot detect a wet surface.
Inside Tanglewood Mall, several problem areas frequently come up in my cases:
• Hallways transitioning from the parking areas
• Rear corridors near store loading areas
• Older sections that have not been upgraded
• Shadowed corners outside shops with low foot traffic
Under Virginia law, mall owners must maintain lighting bright enough for visitors to see hazards clearly.
A burned-out bulb or poorly lit walkway may seem small, but these failures create enormous risks.
The Head Injuries I Commonly See
Head injuries are among the most severe injuries I handle because they affect your entire future. Many of the falls inside Tanglewood Mall lead to:
• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Brain swelling
• Traumatic brain injury
• Memory problems
• Long-term cognitive issues
• Dizziness and blurred vision
Even a mild concussion can disrupt your work, daily responsibilities, and overall well-being.
This is why a proper investigation is so important.
The Mall’s Legal Duties Under Virginia Law
Virginia law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. This includes:
• Routine inspections
• Immediate cleanup of spills
• Proper lighting maintenance
• Training staff to respond to hazards
• Warning signs for wet or recently cleaned floors
If the mall management knew or should have known that slippery tile or poor lighting existed, and they failed to correct it, they can be held legally responsible for your injuries.
Evidence I Use to Prove Liability
When I take a case involving Tanglewood Mall, I move quickly to secure evidence before it disappears. Important evidence includes:
• Surveillance footage
• Maintenance logs
• Photos of the area
• Lighting measurements
• Wet floor or lack of signage
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical documentation
• Incident reports
Footage often plays the most significant role, but it must be requested before it is overwritten.
What You Should Do After a Fall at Tanglewood Mall
If you are hurt inside the mall, here are the steps I recommend you take:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Report the incident to mall security
- Photograph the location and lighting conditions
- Save the shoes you were wearing
- Get the names of any witnesses
- Avoid recorded statements to insurance companies
- Contact a premises liability attorney as soon as possible
The sooner I can investigate, the stronger your case will be.
How I Help Mall Injury Victims
My job is to protect your rights from the moment you call me.
I gather evidence, secure video recordings, work with experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a clear picture of how the mall failed to protect you.
Head injuries in particular require strong advocacy to recover full compensation for medical care, lost wages, long-term treatment, and pain and suffering.
If you were hurt inside Tanglewood Mall, you should not have to pay for a property owner’s negligence. I am here to help you move forward.
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
