You’re running errands, maybe heading into the office or picking up lunch—and out of nowhere, boom. You slip, fall, and suddenly your day (and possibly your back) is wrecked.
If you’ve ever had one of those “one second I was up, the next I was down” moments, you’re not alone. And in a city as busy as Houston, it happens more often than people think—especially on commercial properties like shopping centers, office buildings, or even hotel lobbies.
What most folks don’t realize is that if you’re hurt because the property wasn’t properly maintained, you may actually have a valid personal injury claim. And no, it’s not about being dramatic or looking for a payout—it’s about getting the support you need when someone else dropped the ball.
Firms like Sutliff & Stout handle these cases all the time, helping everyday Houstonians figure out if their “just an accident” moment is something worth taking seriously. So here’s a clear breakdown of what to know, what to do, and what to expect if you find yourself flat on the floor and wondering what happens next.
What Premises Liability Actually Means
Okay, let’s clear this up right away: property owners have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe. That means fixing things like broken steps, wet floors, loose wires, or anything else that could cause someone to take a nasty spill.
This is what’s called premises liability. And it covers more than just slips and falls—it includes any injury that happens because the property wasn’t kept reasonably safe. Think unlit stairwells, cracked sidewalks, or puddles that just sit there for hours.
If the owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard and didn’t do anything about it, they could be on the hook. Especially if someone gets hurt as a result.
Why You Were There Actually Matters
This part trips a lot of people up. The reason you were on the property changes how the law sees your case.
Here’s the quick version:
- Invitee – You were there for the business’s benefit (like shopping or working). They owe you the highest level of care.
- Licensee – You were there with permission, but for your own reasons (like visiting a friend at work). Still protected, but a little less so.
- Trespasser – You weren’t supposed to be there. You don’t get much legal protection, unless you’re a child or there’s something unusually dangerous on the property.
So if you slipped at the grocery store while picking up eggs? That’s very different from slipping behind a building where no one’s supposed to go.
What You’d Need to Prove
Winning a slip-and-fall case isn’t just about saying “I fell and it hurt.” You’ll need to show that:
- The place had a hazard (something unsafe).
- The property owner knew about it—or should’ve.
- They didn’t fix it or warn you about it.
- That hazard is what caused your injury.
Let’s say a restaurant had a leaky ice machine, and there was a puddle on the floor all afternoon. If they didn’t mop it up or post a sign, and you slipped? That’s probably a solid claim.
But if someone just spilled their drink 30 seconds before you walked by, and no employee had a chance to clean it? That’s going to be tougher to prove.
What to Do Right After the Fall
If you’re reading this after you’ve already been hurt, don’t worry—you didn’t have to do everything perfectly in the moment. But here’s a quick hit list for what helps:
1. Tell Someone Immediately
Find a manager or employee and report it. Ask them to write it up and try to get a copy of the incident report.
2. Take Photos
Use your phone to take pictures or videos of where you fell, what caused it, and anything else that looks relevant (like a missing “wet floor” sign).
3. Get Names of Witnesses
If someone saw what happened, get their name and number. Their word might carry a lot of weight later.
4. See a Doctor
Even if you think it’s just a bruise or a sore ankle—go get checked out. Some injuries take a day or two to really show up, and medical records are key to your case.
5. Don’t Deal With the Insurance Company Alone
If the business’s insurer reaches out, be cautious. They may sound friendly, but their job is to protect their client—not you.
6. Talk to a Lawyer
A good personal injury attorney will look at what happened, tell you if you’ve got a case, and deal with the insurance side so you don’t have to.
Common Injuries That Aren’t So “Minor”
People love to downplay their injuries after a fall, but slips can lead to some rough outcomes:
- Sprains and torn ligaments
- Broken wrists or hips
- Concussions and head trauma
- Herniated discs and chronic back pain
- Long-term nerve damage or mobility issues
These can easily lead to missed work, steep medical bills, and months of recovery. That’s why getting proper compensation matters. It’s not about cashing in—it’s about covering the costs that shouldn’t fall on you in the first place.
Timing Is Everything in Texas
In Texas, you’ve got two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like forever, but trust us—it goes by fast.
And if you slipped on public property, like a government building or city-owned lot, that deadline could shrink to just six months for notice.
The earlier you act, the easier it is to gather solid evidence, track down witnesses, and build a strong case.
Wait—What If It Was Partly My Fault?
This comes up a lot. Maybe you were texting while walking, or wearing slick shoes, or didn’t see a caution sign.
Texas uses something called modified comparative fault. It means you can still recover money for your injuries as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. But your payout gets reduced by your share of the blame.
So if you win $10,000 but are found to be 20% responsible? You’ll walk away with $8,000. It’s not all-or-nothing, but it does make a difference.
Do These Cases Always Go to Court?
Not usually. Most slip-and-fall claims settle before they ever see a courtroom.
Once your attorney has the facts, they’ll usually go straight to the business’s insurance company and start negotiating. If the offer is fair, great—you move on. If not, that’s when the idea of filing a lawsuit comes into play.
Sometimes just the threat of court is enough to get a better deal. But if it comes down to it, your attorney will be ready to go the distance.
Why People Stay Quiet—And Why You Shouldn’t
It’s pretty common for folks to brush these incidents off. Maybe you’re embarrassed. Maybe you don’t want to be “one of those people.” Or maybe you just assume it was your fault.
But here’s the truth: if a business didn’t take basic steps to keep people safe, they need to be held accountable. That’s how things get fixed—and how people avoid getting hurt in the future.
You’re not making a fuss. You’re protecting your rights. And if you’ve got medical bills, missed paychecks, or pain that’s sticking around longer than expected, it’s worth finding out what you’re entitled to.
Photo by Mikael Blomkvist
Final Takeaway: Don’t Walk It Off—Look Into It
Slips and falls are easy to dismiss—until they’re not. One wrong step on a slick floor or broken stair can lead to a whole lot of trouble. And if someone else’s carelessness put you in that situation, you shouldn’t be the one left paying for it.
So whether you’re limping away from a fall or helping someone who just had one, know this: you’ve got options. You’ve got rights. And with the right support, you’ve also got a path forward.
Featured Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
