Can I Sue if I Slip and Fall in a Supermarket Parking Lot in Texas?

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Personal Injury

Supermarket parking lots can present many potential hazards, from cars moving in and out to carts rolling across the lot, cracked pavement, oil spills, and poor lighting. If you were hurt in a fall in a parking lot, you may be able to hold the property owner responsible for your injuries and losses. The first step is to speak with an experienced Sierra Blanca, TX premises liability lawyer about the details of your accident.

What Laws Govern Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Texas?

Under Texas premises liability law, supermarket customers are considered invitees. Store owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which means they must regularly inspect the property, fix dangerous conditions they know about or should reasonably discover, and clearly warn customers about hazards that are not yet repaired. If a store ignores a dangerous condition, such as broken pavement or poor lighting, and someone is hurt, the owner may be held responsible.

The law also sets strict time limits on filing a claim. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you typically have two years from the date of the fall to bring a lawsuit. Waiting too long can cause the case to be dismissed, even if the evidence is strong.

Texas also follows a rule called proportionate responsibility. This law reduces compensation if the injured person shares some of the blame for the accident. For example, if a jury finds you 20 percent at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 20 percent. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages at all.

What To Do After You Slip and Fall in a Supermarket Parking Lot

How you handle the aftermath of the accident can impact your claim. Some steps that can protect your health and strengthen your claim include:

• Get medical care right away. Even small injuries should be checked and documented.

• Report the fall to store management. Ask for a copy of the incident report.

• Take pictures or video of what caused your fall, like a pothole or puddle.

• Collect witness names and contact information if anyone saw what happened.

• Save your shoes and clothing since they may be useful evidence.

• Talk to an attorney before speaking with the store’s insurance company.

Insurance companies are quick to shift blame for personal injury claims to avoid payouts. Your attorney will help you collect the evidence you need to prove your claim and collect compensation.

How Much Is a Slip-and-Fall Claim Worth in Texas?

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life. Damages may include medical bills for hospital visits, surgery, therapy, and medicine. If you miss work or cannot return to your job, you may also recover lost income.

Pain and suffering is another factor, covering the physical and emotional toll of an injury. Every case is different, but serious injuries often lead to higher settlements. Having strong evidence, such as photos and medical records, can make your claim stronger and improve your chances of fair compensation.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Van Horn, TX Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney

If you slipped and fell in a supermarket parking lot, you need an attorney who will fight for your right to recover your losses. At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., our Sierra Blanca, TX premises liability lawyers know how to handle these cases. Attorney James Kennedy is certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor held by fewer than three percent of attorneys in Texas.

Contact us today at 915-544-5200 to schedule your free consultation. Se habla Español.