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Slip and fall accidents might sound minor, but they can result in serious injuries, especially for older adults or anyone who lands awkwardly. From broken hips to traumatic brain injuries, these accidents can change lives in an instant. When someone else’s negligence causes them, the law gives victims the right to seek compensation.
Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group represents injured clients in Bryan, College Station, and across Brazos County who have suffered due to unsafe conditions. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, understanding the common causes can help you determine whether you have a legal claim.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when someone loses traction or balance due to a hazardous surface or environment and falls. These accidents often take place on commercial, public, or private property, making them subject to premises liability law in Texas.
To succeed in a slip and fall claim, the injured person must show that the property owner or occupier knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix or warn about it.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes are more frequent than others—especially in businesses, workplaces, or high-traffic areas.
Wet or Slippery Floors
This is one of the leading causes of slips and falls. It can result from:
- Spilled drinks in restaurants or grocery stores
- Recently mopped floors without warning signs
- Rain or snow tracked inside entrances
- Leaking refrigeration units
In public spaces, property owners are expected to clean up spills quickly or post visible signs to warn of wet conditions.
Uneven Surfaces
Cracked, broken, or uneven sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways create major hazards. Inside buildings, loose tiles, torn carpeting, or worn flooring can easily catch a shoe and lead to a fall.
Poor Lighting
Insufficient lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking garages makes hazards difficult to see. If you can’t spot a step or a spill due to darkness or shadows, the property owner may be responsible.
Obstructed Walkways
Boxes, wires, cords, or clutter in aisles and walkways can cause people to trip and fall. This is especially dangerous in retail stores, warehouses, or office buildings.
Broken Handrails or Stairs
Falls on staircases are often due to a lack of handrails, broken steps, or poorly designed stairwells. Under building codes and liability law, property owners must maintain stairs to a safe standard.
Weather Conditions
Rain, ice, and snow aren’t always the property owner’s fault, but failing to address these conditions promptly can create liability. For example, not salting an icy sidewalk or failing to put mats at entrances may be considered negligence.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur?
Slip and fall injuries can happen anywhere, but they’re especially common in:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants and cafes
- Apartment complexes and rental homes
- Office buildings
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Sidewalks and public walkways
College campuses like Texas A&M University in College Station, with their mix of public and private spaces, have plenty of slip and fall cases, especially in dorms, cafeterias, and campus stores. Bryan, Brazos County, and even Houston all see these kinds of cases with some frequency.
Common Injuries From Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a range of injuries, including:
- Fractures (especially hips, wrists, and ankles)
- Back and spinal injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Knee or shoulder damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Older adults are at higher risk for serious, even fatal injuries from falls, making prevention and accountability especially important.
Can You Sue for a Slip and Fall in Texas?
Yes—if a property owner’s negligence caused the fall, you may have a valid claim under Texas premises liability law. This means proving:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property.
- The property owner knew or should have known about it.
- They failed to address the hazard or warn about it.
- That failure caused your injury.
Time is also critical. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Delaying could hurt your chances of receiving compensation.
Consult Attorney Scott Scherr After a Slip and Fall Accident
Slip and fall accidents can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you were injured on someone else’s property, especially due to a preventable hazard, consult attorney Scott Scherr at The Payne Law Group for guidance.
We help clients in College Station, Bryan, and throughout Brazos County recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t try to handle the insurance company on your own. Let us investigate the accident, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.