By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Personal Injury Attorney | Shin Law Office
Patrick Henry Mall is one of the busiest retail centers in Newport News and a major shopping destination for families, workers, and visitors across Hampton Roads.
Its large department stores, polished floors, dressing rooms, and multiple retail chains generate constant foot traffic.
With so many shoppers moving through these stores, even a small spill or overlooked hazard can cause a sudden fall.
When someone lands on their back or twists during the fall, spinal injuries are prevalent.
I represent clients who suffered spinal trauma inside Patrick Henry Mall department stores, and I understand exactly how poor maintenance, slippery floors, and unsafe dressing rooms lead to preventable accidents.
Why Department Stores at Patrick Henry Mall Carry a High Risk for Spinal Injuries
The department stores inside Patrick Henry Mall feature wide polished tile floors, long clothing aisles, and racks that employees restock throughout the day.
These shiny surfaces look clean but become incredibly slick when exposed to even a small amount of liquid.
Drinks from shoppers, melted ice from cups, and spilled items from cosmetic counters all create invisible hazards that cause sudden slips.
In addition, department store dressing rooms are frequent problem areas.
Clothing tags, security pins, dropped hangers, and loose pieces of plastic packaging often collect on the floor.
When carpets bunch up, when flooring is worn, or when maintenance staff fail to inspect these spaces, shoppers can easily trip or lose their balance.
The combination of polished flooring and neglected dressing room conditions makes spinal injuries a serious risk throughout the mall.
How Slip and Fall Spinal Injuries Happen in Patrick Henry Mall Department Stores
I have handled cases involving:
• Polished tile floors that became dangerously slick after a spill
• Cleaning crews who mopped without placing warning signs
• Cosmetics counters where lotions or powders dropped onto the floor
• Dressing rooms with loose carpeting, torn edges, or unstable floor mats
• Clothing or merchandise left on the ground by staff or customers
• Water tracked inside from mall entrances during rain
• Hung clothing that fell into walkways and caused tripping
• Narrow aisles caused by clearance bins or overfilled racks
When a person slips or trips in any of these conditions, the spine absorbs intense force.
This can fracture vertebrae, herniate discs, or damage the spinal cord. Even low height falls can cause long-term complications.
Common Areas Where Spinal Injuries Occur Inside Patrick Henry Mall
Based on patterns from prior incidents, some of the highest risk locations include:
• The main entrances of large department stores where water accumulates
• Shoe and clothing sections with smooth tile flooring
• Dressing room corridors with worn or loose carpeting
• Kids’ clothing areas where toys and tags are often dropped
• Beauty and fragrance aisles with frequent spills
• Seasonal sale areas where merchandise crowds the walkways
• Checkout lanes where bags and items fall into walking paths
Shoppers move quickly through these sections, especially on weekends and during holiday sales.
A single missed hazard can lead to a severe spinal injury.
Recognizing Spinal Injury Symptoms After a Fall
Spinal injuries do not always cause instant severe pain. Some symptoms appear gradually as swelling increases.
Signs of spinal trauma include:
• Sharp or radiating back pain
• Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
• Difficulty standing or sitting
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of balance
• Weakness in the limbs
• Pain that worsens with movement
These injuries require immediate medical attention and imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan.
How I Investigate Spinal Injuries Inside Patrick Henry Mall Stores
Patrick Henry Mall has security cameras in common areas, and department stores frequently maintain their own internal camera systems.
I act quickly to request this footage before it is deleted. I also gather:
• Store incident reports
• Employee and witness statements
• Maintenance and cleaning logs
• Records of prior complaints about the same area
• Photos of the spill or tripping hazard
• Dressing room maintenance histories
I also work with spine specialists, orthopedic physicians, and rehabilitation experts to evaluate the full impact of your injuries and future medical needs.
Who May Be Legally Responsible for the Injury
Responsibility may fall on:
• The department store where the fall occurred
• Patrick Henry Mall management if the hazard was in a common area
• Cleaning companies contracted to service the store
• Employees who failed to clean or report hazards
• Supervisors who ignored maintenance issues
I evaluate every responsible party to determine who allowed the hazard to remain.
Compensation for Spinal Injuries from Patrick Henry Mall Falls
A spinal injury can affect every part of a person’s life. I pursue compensation for:
• Emergency medical care
• Imaging scans and specialist evaluations
• Surgery if required
• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Lost income
• Reduced ability to work
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term mobility or nerve complications
Spinal injuries often require months of recovery and significant medical treatment.
What You Should Do After a Fall Inside Patrick Henry Mall
Seek medical treatment right away. Report the fall to store employees and mall security and request that an incident report be created.
If possible, take photos of the hazard and collect names of witnesses. Avoid giving statements to insurance representatives until you speak with me.
My Commitment to Injured Shoppers in Newport News
Patrick Henry Mall is an important commercial center in Newport News, but its popularity also creates a responsibility to keep department stores safe.
Shoppers deserve clean floors, well-maintained dressing rooms, and attentive staff.
When unsafe conditions cause spinal injuries, I move quickly to preserve evidence, uncover the truth, and pursue full compensation.
If you suffered a spinal injury at Patrick Henry Mall, I will protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
