You’re walking through a Fort Worth shopping mall—maybe browsing window displays or grabbing a bite at the food court—when suddenly, you slip, fall, and hit the ground hard. What happens next can affect not only your health but also your financial stability.
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common forms of premises liability claims in Texas. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy to win. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve helped countless clients hold negligent businesses accountable for unsafe conditions. As trusted Fort Worth premises liability lawyers, we’re here to help you understand your rights, avoid common pitfalls, and build the strongest case possible.
Understanding Premises Liability in Texas
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers responsible for accidents caused by dangerous conditions on their property. If a mall owner, store, or cleaning service failed to maintain safe conditions—and that negligence caused your injury—you may be entitled to compensation.
Under Texas law, mall property owners owe a duty of care to invitees (like shoppers) to:
- Inspect the premises regularly
- Repair or remove known hazards
- Warn of potential dangers not immediately visible
If they fail in this duty, and you’re hurt as a result, a qualified premises liability attorney in Fort Worth can help you pursue a claim for damages.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Shopping Malls
Shopping malls can be busy places with high foot traffic, numerous merchandise displays, food courts, and regular cleaning. Unfortunately, this combination creates a perfect storm for hazardous conditions.
The most common causes we see in Texas mall injury cases include:
- Wet floors from recent mopping or spills
- Slippery tile at mall entrances after rain
- Uneven flooring or cracked tiles
- Torn or bunched carpeting
- Poor lighting in stairwells or corridors
- Escalator or elevator malfunctions
- Unsecured cords, signs, or display racks
- Leaking HVAC systems or ceiling pipes
Not all accidents qualify for a premises liability claim, but if a property owner knew (or should have known) about a danger and failed to fix it or warn you, you may have a strong case.
Why Mall Slip and Fall Cases Are Especially Complex
Slip and fall claims in Texas shopping centers come with unique legal challenges:
- Multiple Defendants – You may be dealing with mall owners, property managers, store tenants, janitorial companies, and insurance carriers, each pointing fingers at the other.
- Surveillance Footage – While helpful, video evidence is often deleted quickly. Time is of the essence.
- Blame the Victim Tactics – Defense lawyers often claim the victim was distracted, wearing unsafe shoes, or at fault for the fall.
- Texas Modified Comparative Fault Rule – If you’re found more than 50% responsible for your injuries, you can’t recover damages. This makes proving negligence critical.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas, can identify all liable parties, preserve time-sensitive evidence, and protect you from insurance company tactics.
What to Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall in a Mall
If you’ve been injured in a fall, your actions in the hours and days afterward can have a major impact on your legal claim. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
- Report the Incident
- Notify mall security or store staff immediately.
- Request that a formal incident report be completed and ask for a copy.
- Take Photos and Video
- Capture the hazard (e.g., wet floor, broken tile) from multiple angles.
- Document your injuries, clothing, and the surrounding environment.
- Get Witness Contact Information
- If anyone saw your fall, their testimony can be critical to your case.
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away
- Go to an ER or urgent care. Prompt medical documentation supports your claim and uncovers hidden injuries.
- Preserve Evidence
- Save your shoes and clothing from the day of the fall.
- Don’t wash or alter anything—you may need it for analysis later.
- Avoid Giving Statements
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- Don’t speak to insurance reps without a Fort Worth injury lawyer present.
- Avoid posting about your fall on social media.
Types of Injuries in Shopping Mall Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall incidents can cause far more than bruises. We frequently see:
- Broken hips, arms, and ankles
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Dislocated shoulders or knees
- Soft tissue injuries and internal bleeding
In older adults, falls are the leading cause of serious injury and death. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in long-term medical treatment, lost wages, and chronic pain.
Proving Liability in a Mall Slip and Fall Claim
To win a premises liability case in Texas, you must prove the following elements:
- The property owner had a duty of care (which they do for mall visitors).
- They knew or should have been aware of the hazard.
- They failed to fix it or warn you in a reasonable timeframe.
- Their negligence directly caused your injury.
- You suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost income, pain).
A skilled premises liability attorney in Fort Worth will gather evidence such as:
- Surveillance footage
- Employee witness statements
- Maintenance logs
- Weather data
- Medical records and expert reports
These help establish how long the danger existed and whether staff acted appropriately.
How Patterson Law Group Can Help
As a premier personal injury law firm in Fort Worth, Patterson Law Group has successfully represented clients in hundreds of slip and fall and premises liability cases across North Texas.
We offer:
- Fast evidence collection: We work quickly to obtain surveillance video before it’s erased.
- Access to expert witnesses: We partner with safety engineers, medical experts, and economic analysts.
- Aggressive negotiations: We won’t let property owners or insurers undervalue your claim.
- Trial readiness: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’ll be fully prepared to fight in court.
Real Client Story
“I slipped on a wet spot in a Fort Worth mall entrance and broke my wrist. The manager said it had just been cleaned, but didn’t put up a sign. Patterson Law Group was on it fast. They got footage, handled everything, and I received more than I expected. They treated me like a person, not a case file.” – D.M., Fort Worth
Damages You Can Recover in a Slip and Fall Case
Victims of premises liability injuries in Texas may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your fall results in a permanent injury, these damages can be substantial. A Fort Worth injury lawyer can help you estimate and prove the full value of your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in the state of Texas?
You have two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit under the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003.
What if I were partially at fault for the fall?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
Can I sue a national chain store or mall owner?
Yes. Large entities often have dedicated risk teams and aggressive insurers, so legal representation is essential.
What if I didn’t report the fall right away?
While reporting is always recommended, a delay doesn’t automatically disqualify you. A premises liability attorney can help build your case using other evidence.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, Patterson Law Group prepares every case as if it will go to court. This approach ensures we’re ready for anything—and that insurance companies take us seriously.
How long does it take to settle a slip and fall case?
It depends on the complexity of the case and the extent of your injuries. Some cases settle in a few months; others can take over a year. Your lawyer will guide you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way.
Local Resources for Fort Worth Mall Accident Victims
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth – Emergency and trauma care
- City of Fort Worth Code Compliance – File complaints for unsafe business practices
- Tarrant County Clerk’s Office – File a civil lawsuit if needed
- Patterson Law Group – Fort Worth injury lawyer for shopping mall accident victims
Your Recovery Starts With the Right Help
A slip and fall in a Fort Worth shopping mall can leave you injured, frustrated, and facing medical bills you weren’t prepared for. But you don’t have to handle it alone. Patterson Law Group is here to protect your rights, uncover the facts, and fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a mall accident, speak with a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas, today. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome.
Contact Patterson Law Group now and get the help you deserve.
