Slip-and-fall injuries often happen in places customers visit every day — grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, and office buildings. What may seem like a simple fall may result in serious injuries that disrupt a person’s health, work, and finances. These incidents are frequently preventable, raising important questions about when a business may be responsible for the harm caused.
Dale R. Rose, PLLC represents individuals who suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions on commercial properties. Understanding how liability works in slip-and-fall cases helps injured customers recognize whether a business’s failure to maintain safe premises may give rise to a valid premises liability claim.
Understanding a Business’s Duty to Customers
Businesses that invite customers onto their property have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions. This duty includes regularly inspecting the premises, addressing known hazards, and warning visitors about dangers that cannot be immediately fixed. When a business fails to meet this responsibility, customers may face unnecessary risks that lead to serious injuries.
Under Texas law, liability often depends on whether the business knew or should have known about a dangerous condition. If a hazard existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have discovered it, the business may be held accountable. This standard encourages property owners to remain proactive rather than reactive when it comes to safety.
Not every fall automatically leads to liability. The key issue is whether the business’s conduct fell below what a reasonably careful property owner would do under similar circumstances. Establishing that connection is essential in slip-and-fall claims.
Common Hazards That Lead to Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Many slip-and-fall injuries occur because of conditions that businesses can control. Wet floors from spills or cleaning, uneven walkways, loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered aisles are among the most common hazards. When these dangers are not addressed promptly, customers may suffer preventable harm.
Weather-related hazards may also create liability. Rainwater tracked inside, slick entryways, or icy outdoor walkways require extra attention. Businesses are expected to take reasonable steps, such as placing warning signs or mats, to reduce the risk of falls during adverse conditions.
In some cases, hazards result from ongoing maintenance issues. Broken steps, damaged flooring, or missing handrails may signal neglect rather than an isolated problem. These conditions often strengthen a claim that a business failed to prioritize customer safety.
Injuries Commonly Associated With Slip-and-Fall Incidents
Slip-and-fall injuries range from minor to life-altering. Customers may suffer fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries, or soft tissue damage. Some injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care, especially for older adults.
It is important to note that symptoms are not always immediate. Head and back injuries, in particular, may worsen over time. Seeking prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates documentation connecting the injury to the fall.
When discussing injuries, it is essential to remember that every case is unique. The severity and long-term impact depend on many factors, including the nature of the fall and the individual’s health before the incident.
When a Business May Be Held Liable
A business may be liable for a customer’s slip-and-fall injury if several factors are present. First, the property owner must have owed a duty of care to the injured person, which generally applies to customers lawfully on the premises. Second, there must have been a dangerous condition that posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
Liability also depends on notice. If the business created the hazard, notice is usually presumed. If the hazard was created by someone else, such as another customer, the injured person must show the business knew or should have known about it and failed to take action. Finally, the unsafe condition must be the direct cause of the injuries suffered.
These elements often require careful investigation. Surveillance footage, maintenance logs, witness statements, and incident reports may all play a role in determining whether a business’s actions or inaction led to the injury.
Speak With Dale R. Rose, PLLC About Your Slip-and-Fall Claim
Slip-and-fall injuries can have lasting physical and financial consequences, especially when they result from a business’s failure to maintain safe premises. If you were hurt due to a hazardous condition, you deserve clear answers about your legal options and whether the business may be liable for your injuries.
Dale R. Rose, PLLC provides personalized guidance for individuals injured on commercial properties. With decades of trial experience and a hands-on approach, the firm helps clients understand their rights and pursue fair compensation. To learn more about your potential claim, contact us online today to schedule a consultation and discuss the circumstances of your slip-and-fall injury.
