Law News · June 23, 2026 · 2 min read
What If a Display Fell on Me at a Retail Store?
By Jack Hirsch — Personal Injury Attorney · Certified Specialist, Injury & Wrongful Death · State Bar of Arizona, admitted 1988
Legally reviewed by Chelsie Talcott, JD Published Jun 23, 2026 Last updated Jun 23, 2026 Editorial policy Disclaimer
Short answer.
Retail stores are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their customers by maintaining hazard-free environments. If a display falls and injures you, the store may be held liable for your injuries due to negligence in maintaining safe premises.
Retail stores are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their customers by maintaining hazard-free environments. If a display falls and injures you, the store may be held liable for your injuries due to negligence in maintaining safe premises.
Recent Case in Phoenix
In the case of Perez v. Circle K Convenience Stores, Inc., the Arizona Supreme Court addressed a situation where a customer tripped over a water display case while shopping. The court emphasized that a store’s duty of care to its customers exists regardless of whether a hazardous condition is open and obvious. This ruling underscores that retailers must proactively ensure their premises are safe for all patrons.
Arizona Law and Your Rights
Under Arizona law, business owners owe a general duty of care to keep their premises safe for customers. This duty is based on the invitee relationship and is not contingent upon the presence of a hazardous condition. If a store’s negligence leads to an unsafe display causing injury, they are liable for damages.
Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury (A.R.S. § 12-542). It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to seek compensation.
What To Do Next
If you’ve been injured by a falling display in a retail store, it’s important to document the incident thoroughly, seek medical attention, and consult with experienced personal injury attorneys. At Hirsch Talcott, our team, including attorney Jack Hirsch, a Certified Specialist in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death, and attorney Chelsie Talcott, a former Maricopa County Deputy Public Defender, is dedicated to advocating for injured Arizonans. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case.
For more information on our services, visit our personal injury attorneys page. To learn more about attorney Chelsie Talcott, click here. Discover why injured Arizonans choose us by visiting this page.
Contact Hirsch Talcott at 602-903-6000 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Where to get help
If this situation applies to you, Hirsch Talcott offers a free consultation — speak with a Phoenix wrongful death lawyer to understand your options.
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