What are my options if a customer slips and falls in my Texas business premises?

If a customer slips and falls in your Texas business premises, you may be held liable for any injuries sustained by the customer. In Texas, premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for their visitors. You have various options to consider if a customer has suffered injuries due to slipping and falling on your business premises, including:

1. Proper Documentation: You should document the accident as soon as possible. Take photographs of the location of the incident, collect witness information, and file an incident report. This documentation may be useful in any future litigation.
2. Obtain Medical Attention: If the customer is injured, immediately call for medical assistance or advise them to seek medical attention. Ensure that the customer receives the necessary medical attention, including an ambulance ride, if necessary.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company of the incident as soon as possible. Your insurance company will investigate the incident and provide you with guidance on how to proceed further.
4. Consult with an Attorney: Consider consulting with an experienced attorney who can provide legal advice and representation in any potential litigation arising out of the incident. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and defenses available.
5. Preserve Evidence: Preserve any physical evidence, including any video surveillance footage, that could be relevant to the incident. This evidence may be useful in any future litigation or settlement negotiations.

Limitations or Exceptions: Your liability depends on various factors, such as the extent of customer’s injuries, whether the customer was invited or a trespasser, and whether you had knowledge of any hazardous conditions on your property. Texas law follows the “modified comparative negligence” doctrine, which reduces damages in proportion to the customer’s level of fault, if any.

Further Action: To avoid liability, you should take steps to prevent slip and fall accidents on your business premises, such as regularly checking and cleaning the floors, displaying warning signs, and maintaining adequate lighting. You may also consider purchasing commercial liability insurance to protect against claims of bodily injury or property damage.