Slip and Fall Accidents, Can I Sue in Texas?

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—from grocery stores and restaurants to office buildings and private homes. These accidents often lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, or long-term mobility issues. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, you may be wondering whether you have the right to pursue legal action. In Texas, the answer depends on the circumstances of the accident and the legal responsibilities of the property owner.

Texas law requires property owners to maintain safe conditions for people on their premises, but the level of responsibility varies depending on your status on the property. Trespassers, who enter without permission, are generally owed minimal protection and are typically only shielded from intentional harm. Licensees—people who enter for their own purposes, such as visiting a friend—are owed a moderate duty of care, which includes warning them about hazards that are not obvious. Invitees, such as customers in a store or guests at a business, are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must take reasonable steps to identify and fix hazards that they knew or should have known about to prevent injuries.

Slip and fall accidents often result from preventable conditions. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose rugs, poorly maintained staircases, and debris can all create dangerous situations. In many cases, the accident is not simply bad luck but is connected to negligence on the part of the property owner. If a hazard existed and the property owner failed to address it, they may be legally responsible for your injuries.

Determining liability in a slip and fall case can be complicated. The specific facts—such as how the fall occurred, whether the property owner knew about the dangerous condition, and the extent of your injuries—play a critical role in whether you have a valid claim. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. An attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process, helping you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.