Dollar General operates more than 19,000 stores across the United States, offering low-cost goods in compact retail environments. But with narrow aisles, limited staffing, and aging infrastructure, these stores present a range of hazards that can lead to serious slip, trip, and fall injuries. Customers have filed lawsuits against Dollar General for injuries sustained due to wet floors, cluttered walkways, and poorly maintained premises—some resulting in substantial settlements and verdicts.
This article explores common hazards in Dollar General stores, notable case examples, and the legal framework for pursuing compensation.
Common Slip and Fall Hazards in Dollar General Stores
Dollar General’s business model emphasizes low overhead and minimal staffing, which can contribute to unsafe conditions. Common hazards include:
- Wet Floors: Spills from cleaning products, beverages, or leaks often go unaddressed due to understaffing or lack of inspection.
- Cluttered Aisles: Overstocked merchandise, restocking carts, and promotional displays frequently obstruct walkways.
- Loose Floor Mats: Entryway mats may bunch or slide, creating trip hazards.
- Poor Lighting: Dim or flickering lights in corners or back aisles reduce visibility.
- Damaged Flooring: Cracked tiles, uneven surfaces, and loose floorboards are common in older stores.
- Outdoor Hazards: Rainwater accumulation near entrances and uneven pavement in parking lots pose additional risks.
Notable Slip and Fall Case Examples
1. Doty v. Dolgen Corp. (2024) In Florida, Kimberly Doty slipped on a puddle near the entrance of a Dollar General store after an employee removed a wet floor sign following a rainstorm. The jury found Dollar General liable for negligence. The case hinged on the store’s constructive knowledge of the hazard and its failure to maintain safe conditions.
2. Confidential Settlement – Virginia Spinal Injury A customer slipped on spilled detergent in the cleaning supplies aisle and suffered a spinal cord injury. The case settled confidentially after discovery revealed that the spill had been present for over an hour without cleanup or signage.
3. Trip Over U-Boat Cart – Georgia A shopper tripped over a restocking cart left unattended in a narrow aisle. The fall caused a fractured hip and required surgery. The plaintiff alleged negligent stocking practices and inadequate aisle clearance.
4. Wet Entryway Fall – Tennessee Rainwater pooled near the front entrance of a Dollar General store. A customer slipped and sustained a concussion. The store lacked proper floor mats and failed to post warning signs. The case settled for a mid-six-figure amount.
5. Fall Due to Loose Rug – North Carolina A woman tripped over a curled rug near the checkout area. The fall resulted in a broken wrist. Surveillance footage showed employees walking past the hazard without correcting it. The case settled after depositions confirmed prior complaints.
6. Slip on Leaking Cooler – Alabama A leaking beverage cooler created a slick surface in the refrigerated section. A customer slipped and tore a rotator cuff. The store had received maintenance requests but failed to act. The case settled for $275,000.
7. Trip Over Merchandise – Texas Boxes of seasonal goods were stacked in the middle of an aisle. A customer tripped and suffered a knee injury. The lawsuit alleged negligent merchandising and lack of inspection protocols.
8. Slip on Cleaning Solution – Florida An employee mopped the floor but failed to post a warning sign. A shopper slipped and fractured her ankle. The case proceeded to trial, and the jury awarded $180,000 in damages.
9. Fall in Parking Lot – Mississippi Uneven pavement in the parking lot caused a customer to trip and fall. The injuries included facial fractures and dental damage. The store settled after inspection records showed delayed repairs.
10. Trip Over Extension Cord – Arkansas A temporary display required power, and an extension cord was run across the aisle without a cover. A customer tripped and sustained a back injury. The case settled for $150,000.
Legal Framework for Slip and Fall Claims
Under California premises liability law—and similar statutes in other states—retailers like Dollar General have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for customers. To succeed in a slip and fall claim, plaintiffs must typically prove:
- The store created the hazardous condition, or
- The store knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct it
Evidence may include:
- Surveillance footage
- Incident reports
- Maintenance logs
- Witness testimony
- Prior complaints or inspection records
Damages Available in Slip and Fall Lawsuits
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity, liability clarity, and jurisdiction.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall at Dollar General
- Report the Incident to store management and request a copy of the incident report.
- Document the Scene with photos of the hazard and surrounding area.
- Seek Medical Attention immediately and retain all records.
- Collect Witness Information if available.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters before consulting legal counsel.
- Contact a Premises Liability Attorney experienced in retail injury claims.
Final Thoughts
Slip and fall accidents at Dollar General are often preventable—and when they occur due to negligence, victims have the right to pursue compensation. Whether caused by wet floors, cluttered aisles, or poor maintenance, these incidents can result in serious harm. Legal action not only helps victims recover but also encourages safer practices across the retail industry.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Dollar General store, consult a qualified personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim and protect your rights.
References
- Doty v. Dolgen Corp, LLC d/b/a Dollar General, No. 5D22-2906, 2024 WL 1220889 (Fla. 5th DCA).
- Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law. (2024, October 10). Dollar General Slip and Fall Settlements. Retrieved from https://www.huffmanhuffman.com/blog/premises-liability/dollar-general-slip-and-fall-settlements/
- Haymond Law Firm. (2018, April 24). 11 Real Life Slip and Fall Case Results. Retrieved from https://haymondlaw.com/real-life-slip-and-fall-case-results/
- Injury Claim Coach. (2025). Slip and Fall Settlement Amounts for Different Injuries, with Examples. Retrieved from https://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/slip-and-fall-settlement-amounts.html