Texas residents who are injured and slip-and-fall accident while shopping at a retail store may be able to recover damages from the store owner.
Retail stores have a responsibility to make sure that their premises is safe for their customers and other legal visitors. If a retailer fails to take reasonable steps to ensure that the parking lot, store entryways, aisles, restrooms, and other areas on the premises are free from dangerous conditions, they could be liable for any accidents that occur on the premises.
How can I prove my premises liability claim?
As the victim of a slip-and-fall, you can file a premises liability claim against the store owner. You will need to establish that the store negligently failed to do their part to prevent the accident. Pursuant to the statute of limitations in Texas, you will have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. You will need to show that:
- You were a business invitee or legal guest on the premises at the time of the accident.
- Your accident occurred due to a dangerous or hazardous condition on the property (e.g., icy sidewalk or broken step).
- The store owner knew of or should have known of the dangerous condition on the premises (e.g., the owner had enough time to discover the spilled liquid on the floor).
- The store owner failed to warn of the condition or remedy the condition prior to the accident.
- You suffered injuries because of the accident.
Incident reports filed with store employees, police reports, medical records, and photos/videos of the accident, injuries, and scene of the accident can all help prove your case. You should also be prepared to show that your own negligence did not fully cause the accident.
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to serious injuries and lifelong pain and suffering. A personal injury lawsuit could help you recover the compensation you deserve from the store owner responsible for your injuries.
