Can poorly maintained decorative lighting or props in stores cause premises liability claims on halloween?

Halloween decorations and props on display inside a store, representing potential hazards that can lead to Halloween premises liability claims.

Halloween is one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. From costume displays to elaborate decorations, stores across New Jersey go all out to create a festive experience for customers. But when lighting or props aren’t properly maintained, they can turn dangerous, leading to trips, burns, electrical shocks, or other injuries. When this happens, it may give rise to a premises liability claim.

At Team Law, we’ve seen how easily unsafe conditions in retail spaces can cause serious harm. Understanding when a store may be legally responsible for an injury can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions after an accident.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for keeping their premises safe. When you enter a store, the business owes you a legal duty to take reasonable care to prevent injuries.

That duty includes:

Inspecting the property regularly
Fixing or removing hazards
Providing adequate lighting
Warning customers about potential dangers

If a store fails to meet these responsibilities and a shopper gets hurt, the injured person may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

How Halloween Displays Can Create Hazards

Halloween displays often include strings of lights, fog machines, animatronic figures, extension cords, and other temporary props. While they create a fun shopping atmosphere, these decorations can also introduce new safety risks.

Common dangers include:

Exposed wiring or overloaded circuits that can cause shocks or fires
Loose cords or poorly placed decorations that become trip hazards
Unstable props or displays that can fall or collapse onto customers
Dim or flickering lighting that reduces visibility
Fog machines or artificial smoke that obscure walkways or exits

Because these items are often assembled quickly and used seasonally, employees may overlook maintenance or safety checks. A store that fails to ensure decorations are secure and functioning properly may be found negligent if someone is injured.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

When an injury occurs due to unsafe decorations, several parties could be responsible, depending on how the accident happened:

The store owner or management for failing to maintain a safe shopping environment
Employees who set up or supervised the display incorrectly
Property owners, if the store leases its space and building issues contributed to the hazard
Product manufacturers, if a defective light or prop malfunctioned and caused an injury

An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the situation to determine which party (or combination of parties) should be held liable.

What to Do If You’re Injured in a Store

If you’re hurt in a store because of unsafe decorations or lighting, taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference in your case:

Get medical help right away if you are injured. Even minor injuries should be evaluated by a doctor.
Report the accident to store management. Ask to complete or obtain a copy of the incident report.
Take photos of the area. Capture the lighting, props, and any visible hazards.
Gather witness information. If anyone saw the incident, get their contact details.
Preserve evidence. Keep the clothing or shoes you wore, as they may show damage or provide important evidence of negligence.
Contact a premises liability attorney. Legal guidance can help protect your claim and ensure evidence isn’t lost.

Stores often have surveillance footage that can help prove how the accident occurred, but this video can be erased within days. Reaching out to an attorney early helps to ensure that your lawyer can act quickly to secure it.

Examples of Dangerous Conditions Leading to Claims

While each case is unique, some common situations that can lead to premises liability claims during the Halloween season include:

Decorations blocking aisles or emergency exits
Wires running across high-traffic walkways
Defective extension cords or overloaded outlets causing electrical burns
Decorations hung too low or falling from overhead shelves
Lighting that creates shadows or obscures steps and thresholds

When these hazards could have been identified and fixed with reasonable care, the store may be held responsible for resulting injuries.

How Negligence Is Proven in Premises Liability Cases

To succeed in a premises liability claim, the injured person must show that:

The store or property owner owed a duty of care to keep the premises safe.
The store knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
The store failed to fix or warn about the hazard in a timely manner.
That failure caused your injury and resulting damages.

For example, if employees noticed flickering lights or loose decorations days before your fall but ignored them, that delay could serve as strong evidence of negligence.

Injuries That Can Result from Unsafe Decorations

Injuries from Halloween decorations can range from minor to severe, depending on the hazard. Common injuries include:

Sprains, fractures, or head injuries from slips and falls
Electrical burns or shocks from faulty wiring
Cuts or lacerations from broken props or sharp edges
Back or neck injuries from falling objects
Smoke inhalation or burns from fires caused by defective equipment

Even seemingly small injuries can have lasting effects, especially when they result in missed work or require ongoing medical care.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of premises liability accidents can seek compensation for:

Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation
Lost wages and future loss of income
Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma
Scarring or disfigurement from burns or lacerations
Out-of-pocket expenses related to transportation or home care
Loss of enjoyment of life

Each claim is different, and the total recovery depends on the extent of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident.

How Team Law Helps Victims of Store Accidents

At Team Law, we’ve represented clients across New Jersey, including Clark, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, and Mount Arlington, who were injured due to unsafe store conditions, including those caused by poorly maintained decorations, lighting, or displays. Our attorneys know how to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold negligent businesses accountable.

We gather evidence such as surveillance footage, employee records, and maintenance logs to build strong cases for our clients. Whether we’re negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial, our priority is always securing the full compensation you need.

We understand the stress and frustration that come with unexpected injuries, especially during a time meant for celebration. That’s why we handle every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for justice.

Call Team Law for Experienced Premises Liability Representation

If you were injured in a store or shopping center because of unsafe Halloween decorations, faulty lighting, or neglected maintenance, you may have a premises liability claim.

Call Team Law today at 732-896-2560 or submit our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced attorneys serve clients throughout New Jersey, helping victims of unsafe property conditions recover compensation for their injuries.

Don’t let a preventable accident disrupt your life. Let Team Law help you hold negligent property owners accountable and get the recovery you deserve.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.