When most people walk into a retail store, their attention goes to the merchandise—not the shelving that holds it. But as a Retail Expert Witness, I often investigate injuries caused by overstocked shelves, and the dangers they pose are frequently underestimated.
I spent over 40 years designing displays and retail design. There are non-negotiable rules to follow but, unfortunately, many stores prefer to try to make a profit even if it’s at the cost of a customer. Overstocking is one of the most common dangers.
Overstocking happens for several reasons: high customer volume, understaffing, seasonal demand, or pressure to push sales. But as shelves become overloaded, they transform into genuine hazards.
Here’s what I see most often during inspections:
- Tall stacks of merchandise placed above safe reach height
- Improper weight distribution causing shelves to shift or tilt
- Boxes stored on top of displays, creating fall risks
- Shelving not secured to walls, making it vulnerable to tipping
- Aisle congestion from excess product that forces customers into narrower paths
Any one of these issues can cause head injuries, fractures, lacerations, or spinal harm. In many cases, the evidence shows that the store’s own policies were not followed—or that employees were never trained to recognize overstocking risks in the first place.
As an expert witness, my role is to identify exactly how merchandise was stored, whether the store violated its own planogram or safety protocol, and whether standard industry practices were ignored. That analysis helps attorneys determine liability and build stronger arguments on behalf of the injured party.
If your firm is working with a client hurt by falling merchandise or collapsing shelves, I can assist with both on-site and virtual inspections. Reach out anytime—I’m here to support your process.
Call me at 1-917-691-4853 or fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you within a few hours.
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