At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth slip-and-fall accident lawyer works hard to help victims by offering compassionate legal support to help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, and we will do everything possible to ensure you get justice and have the financial resources you need.
Common Causes of Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents in grocery stores often occur because of preventable hazards. Knowing the common causes can help you understand how these accidents occur and who might be responsible.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Spills from broken bottles, leaking refrigerators, or freshly mopped areas can create slippery surfaces. Without warning signs or immediate clean-up, these hazards become dangerous for shoppers.
Uneven or Damaged Flooring
Cracked tiles, torn carpets, or warped flooring can easily trip someone walking through the store. When these issues are left unaddressed, the risk of accidents increases significantly.
Poor Lighting
Dim or flickering lights in aisles or entryways can make it difficult to see hazards. Proper lighting ensures customers can make their way through the store safely.
Obstructed Aisles
Boxes, fallen products, or carts left in walkways create unnecessary obstacles. These obstructions can catch someone off guard, leading to a sudden fall.
Slippery Entrance Floors
Rain, snow, or spilled liquids near entrances often go unnoticed. Failing to keep these areas dry and safe can result in accidents as customers enter or exit.
Faulty Mats or Rugs
Improperly secured mats or rugs can bunch up or slide, creating trip hazards. Regular inspections and proper mat placement are crucial to avoid accidents.
Neglected Maintenance Issues
Broken stairs, loose handrails, or malfunctioning escalators are significant hazards. Regular maintenance and immediate repairs can prevent these types of accidents.
Common Injuries From Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can lead to various injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
- Head Injuries: A sudden fall can result in concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and ongoing care.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Falls can lead to spinal injuries, such as herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or strained muscles. These injuries often limit mobility and can affect your quality of life.
- Broken Bones: Wrists, hips, and ankles are among the most commonly fractured areas in slip and fall accidents. Recovery from these injuries can take months and may involve physical therapy.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can cause significant pain and restrict movement. These injuries may seem minor at first but often require prolonged recovery.
- Cuts and Bruises: Sharp objects or hard surfaces can cause victims to suffer painful lacerations or bruising. While these injuries might heal faster, they can still disrupt daily activities.
- Knee and Shoulder Injuries: Landing awkwardly during a fall can lead to torn ligaments in the knee or dislocated shoulders. These injuries often require surgery or extensive rehabilitation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accidents?
When a slip-and-fall accident occurs in a grocery store, determining liability is critical. Depending on the circumstances, several parties could be held responsible.
Store Owners or Management
Store owners and managers are responsible for keeping their premises safe. Failing to address hazards like spills or broken flooring can make them liable for accidents.
Employees
Store employees play a key role in identifying and addressing potential hazards. Negligence, such as failing to clean a spill or remove an obstruction, can contribute to an accident.
Third-Party Contractors
Cleaning crews or maintenance workers hired by the store might share responsibility if their actions—or lack of action—create unsafe conditions.
Product Manufacturers
The manufacturer could be held liable if defective equipment or products caused the hazard. For example, a faulty floor mat that caused someone to trip might result in a product liability claim.
Types of Protected Guests Under Texas Law
Texas law recognizes different categories of visitors, and their protection level depends on their classification.
- Invitees: Shoppers and customers are considered invitees. They are owed the highest level of care, meaning store owners must actively work to prevent hazards and ensure safety.
- Licensees: Delivery workers and others allowed on the property but not there to shop fall into this category. Store owners must warn them about known hazards but are not obligated to inspect for unknown ones.
- Trespassers: Although trespassers are not legally permitted on the property, store owners can still be held liable for intentional harm or extreme negligence that results in injury.
Steps to Take After a Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident, taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always come first. Seeking treatment ensures that your injuries are properly addressed and provides documentation for your claim.
Report the Accident
Inform the store management about what happened and request an incident report. This establishes a record of the accident, which can be critical later.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the area where you fell, including the hazard that caused it. Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
Preserve Evidence
Keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing during the accident, as they might provide important evidence in your case.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
Early legal representation can help protect your rights and build a strong case. A Fort Worth grocery store slip and fall accident lawyer can guide you through the process and advocate for fair compensation.
Compensation Available for Slip and Fall Victims
Victims of slip and fall accidents often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Compensation is designed to help you recover and move forward.
- Medical Expenses: Injuries from a fall can lead to mounting medical bills. Compensation helps cover hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and other necessary treatments.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost income and any future earnings impacted by your accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Accidents can leave lasting physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation acknowledges the toll these injuries take on your quality of life.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Long-term recovery often requires physical or other rehabilitation. These costs can add up, making compensation essential for the necessary care.
Call Our Fort Worth Grocery Store Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores shouldn’t be taken lightly. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, financial strain, and lasting emotional effects.
At Patterson Law Group, our dedicated team of slip and fall accident attorneys in Fort Worth, TX, is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We are ready to stand by your side when you are looking for the best slip-and-fall accident lawyer in Fort Worth.
Contact our no-win, no-fee grocery store slip and fall lawyer in Fort Worth today for a free consultation. Let Patterson Law Group help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
