Slip and Fall Accidents at a Grocery Store

If you've been injured due to a fall at a Texas grocery store, call Rasansky Law Firm at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation.

Slip and fall incidents are all too common at grocery stores and supermarkets. What many people don't realize is that the grocery store itself can be held liable for injuries caused by some slip and falls.

Under Texas law, landowners and property managers have an obligation to perform routine inspections of any properties they own or manage in order to become aware of any existing dangers or defects. They also have an obligation to warn the customers of any dangers that have been brought to their attention by either other employees or as a result of their own inspections. They must also undertake any necessary precautions in order to ensure the safety of their customers before any injuries occur. This law applies to all grocery stores and supermarkets in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Costco, Kroger, Albertson’s, Tom Thumb, Central Market, Aldi, Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, Fiesta, and more.

The facts of your case will determine what legal options are available to you, as well as the strength of your claim. For a free consultation, call us today at (214) 651-6100.

The grocery store's responsibility.

While every store faces its share of slip and fall accidents, grocery stores and supermarkets face some unique obstacles such as liquids that are spilled on the floor, produce in the aisles where customers may slip on them, and hazards in the parking lot. The property owner or manager has a duty to ensure the safety of those who visit the store. This includes ensuring that visitors are protected from all hazardous conditions and property defects of which the manager or owner was aware, or should have been aware. To bring a successful premises liability claim, it is essential for the injured party to prove this breach of duty.

Slip and falls are the most common type of premises liability accidents in Dallas. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries include the following:

• Wet floors
• Slippery surfaces
• Floors or steps that are uneven
• Cracked sidewalks
• Broken rails on stairways
• Objects falling off shelves and other overhead locations
• Frayed and torn carpeting
• Inadequate security
• Insufficient lighting
• Preventable conditions created by poor weather (rain, snow, etc)

Notable supermarket slip and fall lawsuits.

1. In May of 2008, a 49-year-old man suffered injuries at a Kroger grocery store when he slipped and fell on a piece of smashed fruit that was lying on the floor. The man fell directly onto his back which caused injury to his spinal cord and ultimately resulted in not only extensive medical treatment, but permanent disability. He incurred $135,000 in medical bills as a result of the accident. The Gwinnett County jury hearing the case awarded the injured man $2.3 million in damages, partially because Kroger had spoliated evidence by destroying video footage of the incident.
2. In another case involving a Kroger supermarket, a customer slipped on some liquid (probably water) near the floral section of the store. The fall caused injuries to the victim’s wrist and knees. The wrist injury failed to heal, left her in pain, and led to permanent disability. The jury awarded the woman in excess of $2.5 million for her pain and $1.5 million for her medical expenses and loss of income.
3. In a case involving an HEB grocery store, a customer walked into the store and slipped on water that had accumulated in the front entrance of the store. She fell in a way that led to a fracture of her femur which required surgery in order to repair the damage. She later suffered an infection which made her recovery period even longer. While the case has not yet been settled, the customer is seeking over $100,000.
4. A resident of Jefferson County filed a lawsuit against an HEB supermarket which claimed that she slipped on fell on a wet surface near the entrance to the store. HEB had denied the allegations and claimed either the customer or a third party was responsible. The customer stated in her complaint that she injured her wrist, shoulder, hip, back, and spine. There has not been a publicly-announced settlement yet, although a letter filed by a mediator indicates that a settlement was reached.

If you have been injured as the result of a fall in a grocery store or supermarket in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, our firm can help you determine the strength of your case, as well as your legal options moving forward. Please send us an email via the contact form on this page, or call our office 24 hours a day at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation.