If you love shopping at Target, you’re not alone. Millions of customers head to this big box store for groceries, clothing, and household items. But what happens if you get hurt at Target? In the moment after you’re injured, a million questions run through your mind—What just happened? Am I seriously hurt? Who’s going to pay for this?
If you’ve been injured at Target or any major retailer, you’re not alone. Accidents happen in big-box stores all the time, and when they do, the consequences can be life-changing. Medical bills pile up, lost wages take a toll, and the stress of dealing with corporate insurance teams can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to go through this alone.
Let’s walk through what you need to do after an injury at Target, why filing a claim is important, and how an experienced premises liability lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Target’s Responsibility to Keep You Safe
Founded in 1962, Target has grown into one of the largest retail chains in the U.S., with over 1,900 stores nationwide. Millions of customers walk through their doors every day, expecting a safe and hazard-free shopping experience. Legally, Target is responsible for maintaining its stores and ensuring customer safety. When they fail to do so—whether by ignoring spills, failing to secure shelves, or neglecting parking lot maintenance—they can be held accountable for injuries that result.
However, to hold Target accountable for an injury, you must prove that the company either knew about the hazard (actual knowledge) or should have known about it through reasonable inspections (constructive knowledge) but failed to fix it in time. This means that simply getting injured in a store isn’t enough—you need to show that Target had an opportunity to correct the danger but didn’t act.
But proving Target’s negligence isn’t always easy. Like any major corporation, they have legal teams and insurance companies ready to deny responsibility. That’s why understanding your rights is crucial.
How to File an Injury Claim Against Target Call us today at (305) 694-2676 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Hablamos español. 
Filing an injury claim against Target can be as simple as calling Target’s customer service phone number at (800) 440-0680 and explaining what happened to a representative, but that may not be the best way to go about it. Suffering an injury at a Target store can be overwhelming, leaving you with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. While Target is a massive corporation with teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to protect their bottom line, you have the right to seek compensation if their negligence caused your injury.
Filing an injury claim against Target isn’t as simple as filling out a form and expecting a payout. You need strong evidence, a strategic approach, and possibly legal representation to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Timing Matters
You should file an injury claim as soon as possible after an accident. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to take legal action altogether. Every state has a statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing a claim.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Filing early also increases the chances of a successful claim because:
- Evidence is fresher – Surveillance footage, accident reports, and witness statements are more readily available.
- Medical documentation is stronger – Seeking treatment right away connects your injuries directly to the accident.
- Insurance negotiations can begin sooner – The earlier you start the process, the sooner you may receive a settlement.
If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to take action. Consulting an injury attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights and ensure you meet all legal deadlines.
When to File an Injury Claim Against Target
If you’ve been injured due to negligence at Target, you may have the right to file an injury claim. These claims help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. However, knowing when to file is just as important as knowing how to file.
Accidents at big-box stores like Target happen in various ways. Some of the most common include:
- Slip and Falls – Spilled drinks, wet floors, or loose floor mats can lead to dangerous falls.
- Falling Merchandise – Overstocked shelves or improperly secured items can fall and cause serious head or neck injuries.
- Parking Lot Hazards – Potholes, uneven pavement, or poor lighting can cause dangerous trips and falls.
- Shopping Cart & Equipment Accidents – Broken carts, faulty escalators, or heavy stock carts can lead to serious injuries.
If you’ve been hurt due to any of these hazards, you may be entitled to compensation—but only if you take the right steps after the incident.
What to Do After an Injury at Target
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, don’t show symptoms right away. Plus, medical records serve as crucial evidence in your claim. Target will not compensate you for injuries that cannot be corroborated by medical records and expenses.
2. Report the Incident to Target
Tell a store manager about your injury and make sure they document it in an incident report. Ask for a copy—this can help prove your case later.
3. Gather Evidence
- Take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your injury.
- If you slipped and fell on a liquid substance, make sure to photograph any wet clothing on your person.
- Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Save your clothing and shoes as they might help prove what happened.
4. Don’t Give a Statement to Target’s Insurance
Target’s insurance company may call you quickly, asking for a statement. Be careful—they’re not on your side. Anything you say can be used against you. It’s best to speak with a lawyer first.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
While you can report the claim and handle it on your own, an attorney can help you deal with Target’s team, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Most personal injury attorneys including our law firm work on a contingency fee so it will cost you nothing out of your own pocket to hire a lawyer.
How a Lawyer Helps You File an Injury Claim Against Target Get started with your complimentary case evaluation today; call us at (305) 694-2676 or reach us online using our secure contact form. 
A premises liability lawyer specializes in cases where someone is injured on another person’s or business’s property due to unsafe conditions. If you were injured at Target because of a slip and fall, falling merchandise, or another hazardous condition, an attorney can:
- Investigate the Accident – Your lawyer will gather evidence, such as security footage, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to build a strong case.
- Prove Target’s Negligence – To win a claim, you must prove that Target either knew about the hazard (actual knowledge) or should have known about it through regular maintenance and inspections (constructive knowledge) but didn’t take action. For example, if a customer spills a drink and another shopper slips just seconds later, Target might argue they didn’t have enough time to respond. But if the spill was there for an hour with no cleanup, that could indicate negligence.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations – Target’s insurance company will likely offer a low settlement or try to deny your claim altogether. Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim – Many injured victims underestimate the true cost of their injuries. A lawyer will ensure your claim includes medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Take Your Case to Court if Needed – If Target refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. The threat of legal action often pushes corporations to settle rather than risk a costly courtroom battle.
Why Going Up Against Target Alone is Risky
Target has a powerful legal team that fights injury claims every day. They will do everything they can to shift the blame onto you or argue that they weren’t responsible for your accident. Without a lawyer, you may struggle to:
- Access key evidence like surveillance footage or internal store records.
- Prove that Target had prior knowledge of the hazard that caused your injury.
- Challenge insurance adjusters’ tactics, such as delaying your claim or offering an unfairly low settlement.
- Navigate complex premises liability laws and meet critical legal deadlines.
The Challenges of Filing a Claim Against Target
Big corporations like Target don’t just hand out compensation. They often use tactics to deny liability, such as:
- Claiming you were at fault for your fall
- Arguing they didn’t have enough time to fix the hazard
- Downplaying your injuries or saying they were pre-existing
Without legal representation, it’s easy to feel pressured into accepting a lowball settlement—or worse, walking away with nothing.
Target Lawsuits FAQ
Can I sue Target if I got hurt in their store?
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim against Target if their negligence caused your injury. This could include failing to clean up spills, leaving hazardous conditions unmarked, or improperly stocking shelves. To win your case, you’ll need to prove that Target knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it.
Who pays for my medical bills after a Target accident?
If Target is found responsible for your injury, they (or their insurance) should cover your medical expenses. However, they won’t automatically pay—so you’ll need to file a claim. In the meantime, your health insurance might cover costs, and if you work with a lawyer, they may help negotiate payment delays with medical providers until your case is resolved.
What if Target says my injury was my fault?
Big retailers like Target often try to deny responsibility by claiming:
- You weren’t paying attention.
- The hazard was obvious.
- You were wearing improper footwear.
- They didn’t have enough time to know about the issue so that they could fix it.
Even if Target tries to shift the blame, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a case.
Can I Sue Target for an Injury in Their Store?
Yes, you can sue Target if you are hurt in their store, as long as an unsafe condition caused your injury. Generally a lawsuit is only necessary in situations where you or your attorney are unable to reach a settlement agreement outside of court. Like all businesses, Target has a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for its customers. When this duty is breached, and injuries occur as a result, the company can be held liable.
Several personal injury lawsuits have been filed against Target, highlighting the company’s responsibility to ensure customer safety. One notable case stands out.
Melissa Horton, a television sports producer, was awarded $2.1 million after slipping on a wet floor at a Target store. While Target had placed warning cones around part of a soda spill, employees failed to properly warn customers about a nearby mopped area, causing Horton to slip and suffer a severe hamstring tear. She required multiple surgeries, over 200 physical therapy sessions, and continued to experience chronic pain and mobility issues. The jury found Target negligent for not maintaining a safe environment, holding them fully responsible for her injuries.
This case shows why stores like Target must keep their spaces safe for customers and what can happen if they don’t.
Let Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA Fight for You
If you’ve been injured at Target or another big-box store, you don’t have to face this alone. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we understand the frustration, pain, and financial stress that follow an accident. Our team will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve—covering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win. Don’t wait—call us today at (305) 694-2676 or fill out our online form to get started.
You deserve justice. Let us help you get it.