Injured After a Fall Outside a Texas Grocery Store?
Know Your Legal Rights and What to Do Next. Call The Adley Law Firm
A quick trip to the grocery store can turn into a painful ordeal if you slip or trip and fall right outside the entrance. It’s a frightening experience, and you may be wondering: what happens now? Beyond the shock and bruises, you could face medical bills, time off work, and lots of questions about who is responsible. You’re not alone, these accidents are unfortunately common.
If you fell in front of a major grocery store, whether it’s a big chain like Walmart, Costco, Kroger, or H-E-B, you should know that Texas law may allow you to hold the store accountable if their negligence caused your fall. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to listen, help, and stand by your side.
Common Causes of Falls Outside Grocery Stores
Outside areas of supermarkets (parking lots, sidewalks, entryways) can harbor hazards if not properly maintained. Common causes of slip or trip accidents in front of stores include:
- Wet or Slippery Surfaces: Rainwater, spilled liquids, or even ice can create slick spots on walkways. Without mats or prompt cleanup, an entrance can become very dangerous. Loss of traction from wet surfaces or spills is a leading cause of slips.
- Uneven Pavement or Tripping Hazards: Cracked concrete, potholes in the parking lot, uneven sidewalk slabs, or unmarked curbs can snag your foot and cause a fall. A sudden change in elevation (even a little ¼-inch ledge) may constitute a tripping hazard if not fixed or marked.
- Obstacles and Debris: Items left in walkways can trip customers. Examples include stray shopping carts, fallen merchandise or produce, pallets or boxes from deliveries, or trash that hasn’t been cleared.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting outside the store can make it hard to see hazards. A dim parking lot might conceal a spill or a curb. Proper lighting is essential for safety.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Slip and Falls
A hard fall on pavement or concrete can result in serious injuries. Some typical injuries from slip-and-fall accidents include broken bones (wrist, arm, ankle, hip), sprains and torn ligaments, and head injuries like concussions. Back and neck injuries are also common and may lead to lasting pain.
Even relatively minor injuries – like bruises, pulled muscles, or lacerations – can disrupt your daily life. It’s important to get medical attention after a fall because what seems minor at first can be more serious. Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and often require hospital care,
Can the Grocery Store Be Held Liable for Your Fall?
Yes – a grocery store (or property owner) can be held liable if your fall was caused by their negligence. This falls under “premises liability” law. Store owners in Texas have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. If a spill or hazard existed and they knew (or should have known) about it and failed to address it, they may be held responsible.
Proving negligence requires evidence. Maintenance records, surveillance footage, witness statements, and photos can all help demonstrate that the store was careless. Keep in mind, Texas uses a “comparative fault” system – even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages as long as the store was more at fault than you.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Fall
If you slip and fall in front of a grocery store, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Call 911 or see a doctor, even for minor symptoms. Prompt treatment protects your health and documents your injuries.
- Report the Incident: Notify the store manager or an employee and request an incident report. Ask for a copy if possible.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of where and why you fell. Record the date, time, weather, and conditions. Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid Making Statements: Don’t apologize or accept blame. Politely decline to sign anything or give detailed statements to the store’s insurer until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can help gather evidence, handle communications, and advise you on the best course of action. Most offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You?
A personal injury lawyer helps you navigate your claim and protects your rights. They can:
- Investigate the Fall: Attorneys gather surveillance video, cleaning logs, and expert analysis to prove negligence.
- Handle Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will manage all communication and push back against low settlement offers.
- Maximize Compensation: Attorneys assess the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- No Upfront Cost: Most lawyers, including Adley Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis – you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Why Choose Adley Law Firm for Your Slip-and-Fall Case?
At Adley Law Firm, we help injury victims across Texas recover compensation after falls and other accidents. Here’s what makes us different:
- Serving All of Texas: From Houston to San Antonio, Dallas to Austin, we’re ready to help wherever your injury occurred.
- Free Consultations: Get legal advice and learn your options at no cost or obligation.
- Bilingual Support: Se habla español. Our team can assist you in Spanish or English, whichever you prefer.
- Contingency Fee: No fees unless we win your case. You owe nothing upfront or out-of-pocket.
- Compassionate Representation: We treat clients like family. You’ll get personal attention and regular updates throughout your case.
Contact Adley Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one fell outside a grocery store, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Adley Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way. We understand how overwhelming a fall can be – from pain to paperwork – and we’re ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today or contact us through our website to schedule your free consultation. There’s no risk and no fee unless we win. We’re proud to serve clients throughout Texas in both English and Spanish. Let us fight for your recovery so you can focus on healing.
