Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere in Texas, but when they happen at a business, the owner might be liable for the victim’s injuries. One of the most common places that slip-and-fall accidents occur is at retail establishments like restaurants or supermarkets.
When is a store owner liable?
A storeowner would not be liable for every slip-and-fall accident that happens at their business. For example, if a drunken person walked into a busy supermarket and fell because they were impaired, the storeowner would probably not be liable. However, an owner would be liable for a slip-and-fall accident that was caused by a dangerous condition in their store.
Common hazards that can cause slip-and-fall accidents
In premises liability law, storeowners are only liable for accidents if the accidents were caused by a hazard that was their responsibility to remove. Some common hazards in retail stores that can cause slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Spills on the floor
- Chipped flooring
- Clutter
- Dim lighting
- Broken chairs
- Cracked pavement
If a storeowner failed to remove a hazard or place warning signs around it, it could be liable for accidents. Storeowners may also be liable for accidents that are caused by hazards that they didn’t know about but should have known about. A storeowner that never inspects their aisles, for example, could still be liable for accidents from spills or clutter.
A storeowner that regularly cleans, inspects and makes repairs on their premises may be able to argue that certain unknown hazards are not their responsibility. The victim in a premises liability claim would have to show that the hazard was somehow caused by the storeowner’s negligence.
What to do if you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident
You may be able to pursue financial compensation for your slip-and-fall accident. If you tripped or slipped on something at a retail store, you should try to gather as much evidence as you can. Eyewitness testimony and photographs of where you fell may be useful for your case.
