Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, but the consequences can be particularly devastating when they occur at a shopping mall. Malls are busy hubs with countless daily visitors, making them a prime location for hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how life-changing these accidents can be, and we’re here to help victims navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth is dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered an injury in a shopping mall slip and fall accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Shopping Mall Slip and Fall Accidents
Shopping malls are required to maintain safe premises for their patrons. Unfortunately, negligence often leads to dangerous conditions that can cause serious injuries.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents in Fort Worth shopping malls include:
- Wet Floors: Spills, recently mopped areas, or leaks that are not promptly addressed or properly marked with warning signs.
- Uneven Surfaces: Damaged flooring, loose tiles, or uneven carpets.
- Cluttered Walkways: Items left in aisles or walkways that create tripping hazards.
- Poor Lighting: Dim or broken lights in parking areas, staircases, or hallways.
- Defective Stairs or Escalators: Broken handrails, loose steps, or sudden malfunctions.
As your Fort Worth slip and fall accident lawyer, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable for their negligence.
Understanding Premises Liability in Texas
Slip and fall accidents in shopping malls often fall under premises liability law, which requires property owners and managers to maintain a safe environment for visitors. In Texas, the duty of care owed by a property owner depends on the visitor’s legal status:
- Invitees: Customers visiting a shopping mall are considered invitees, and property owners owe them the highest duty of care. This includes regularly inspecting the premises for hazards and promptly addressing or warning of any dangers.
- Licensees: Individuals on the property for non-commercial purposes, such as attending a private event.
- Trespassers: Property owners owe minimal duty to trespassers unless the hazard is intentionally created or involves a child.
Our role as your Fort Worth personal injury lawyer is to demonstrate that the mall owner or management failed in their duty to maintain a safe environment, leading to your injuries.
Types of Injuries in Shopping Mall Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Internal injuries
These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. Pursuing a personal injury claim with our experienced team can help you secure the compensation you need to recover fully.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
Texas has a strict statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, victims generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failing to act within this timeframe can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
Time is of the essence, and as your Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, we ensure your claim is filed promptly and meets all legal requirements.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
To successfully pursue a shopping mall slip and fall injury claim, we must prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: The property owner or management owed a duty to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to uphold this duty by allowing a hazardous condition to exist.
- Causation: This breach directly caused your accident and injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
At Patterson Law Group, we work tirelessly to gather evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert testimony, to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Cases
The impact of a slip-and-fall accident goes beyond physical injuries. Victims often face financial hardships, emotional distress, and long-term complications.
Our injury lawyers in Fort Worth fight to secure full and fair compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work or diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation services.
Each case is unique, and we tailor our approach to maximize your injury settlement and ensure all damages are accounted for.
Why Choose Us as Your Fort Worth Shopping Mall Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer?
At Patterson Law Group, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate, client-focused legal representation. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience: We have years of experience handling personal injury claims, including shopping mall slip and fall cases, in Fort Worth and across Texas.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Everyone deserves access to quality legal representation. That’s why we handle cases on a contingency fee basis—if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
- Proven Results: Our track record of securing favorable injury settlements demonstrates our commitment to our clients.
- Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique situation and provide customized legal strategies.
Your recovery and future are our top priorities, and we are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Shopping Mall Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve been injured in a shopping mall slip and fall accident, taking the following steps can strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should always come first. Documenting your injuries is also crucial for your claim.
- Report the Accident: Notify mall management and ensure an incident report is completed.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the accident scene. If possible, collect witness contact information.
- Avoid Statements: Refrain from making statements to insurance companies or signing anything without consulting a lawyer.
- Contact Us: The sooner you involve our team, the better. We can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
Navigating a personal injury claim after a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Patterson Law Group, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We handle everything from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and advocating for you in court if necessary.
Don’t let the complexities of Texas personal injury law prevent you from seeking justice. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let our Fort Worth shopping mall slip-and-fall accident lawyer team fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Together, we’ll help you rebuild your life after this challenging experience.