Shopping centers are popular destinations for residents of El Paso to spend time browsing stores, dining at restaurants, and being entertained at movie theaters. However, these venues also pose risks due to slippery floors, cluttered walkways, and wet surfaces. If you have suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident at an El Paso shopping center, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.
Common Causes of Slip and Falls at Shopping Centers
There are several common hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents at malls and shopping plazas in El Paso:
- Wet or greasy floors – Spilled foods, leaky roofs, mopping, and floor cleaner can create slippery conditions.
- Debris on floors – Trash, food scraps, product spills, and other debris can trip shoppers if not cleaned up promptly.
- Uneven flooring – Cracked or uneven tiles or pavement poses tripping hazards.
- Poor lighting – Dim lighting can obscure potential slip hazards.
- Cluttered aisles – Merchandise protruding into walkways forces shoppers to navigate around obstacles.
- Lack of railings/mats – High traffic areas without railings or mats to prevent slips become dangerous, especially when wet.
- Damaged steps/escalators – Broken or warped steps on stairs and escalators can cause falls.
- Lack of warning signs – Missing cautions about slippery floors or out of service escalators removes a key safety precaution.
Most Dangerous Areas for Slips and Falls
Certain parts of shopping centers pose increased risks for slip and fall injuries due to heavy foot traffic, food, and drink spills. High risk areas include:
- Food courts – Spilled drinks and food scraps abound in dining areas.
- Restrooms – Wet floors and leaky sinks create slick tiles.
- Produce sections – Water spray and food bits on the floor are hazards.
- Kitchenware stores – Oil and sauces are often sampled and dripped.
- Movie theater lobbies – Spilled popcorn and sodas are constant dangers.
- Building entrances – Rainwater and melting snow on entry tiles lead to falls.
- Department store makeup sections – Tester cosmetics and perfumes often drip and spill onto the floor.
- Grocery store freezers – Condensation and frozen food drips create puddles and slip risks.
- Mall play areas – Spilled drinks and food from nearby eateries end up on play area floors.
Serious Injuries from Slip and Falls
Slipping and losing your balance can result in serious bodily harm with long recovery times. Common severe injuries from shopping center falls include:
- Broken bones – Fractures in wrists, arms, hips, and legs from bracing the impact.
- Sprains & strains – Twisting limbs as you slip can overextend tendons and ligaments.
- Head injuries – Striking your head on the floor can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Back injuries – Disk damage, sciatica, and slipped discs are agonizing results of falls.
- Joint dislocations – Knees, elbows, and shoulders getting wrenched out of place.
- Lacerations – Sharp edges and protrusions can cause deep cuts during slip and falls.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Cognitive and memory problems can occur after a head injury.
- Chronic pain – Neck, back, hip and limb pain may persist long after an accident.
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions – Falls can worsen arthritis, osteoporosis, and prior injuries.
Who is Responsible for My Injuries?
Shopping centers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors under Texas premises liability law. If they fail to fix or warn about dangerous conditions, they can be held financially accountable for any injuries and damages. Potential liable parties include:
- Shopping center owners and management companies – Failure to implement adequate cleaning, maintenance, and safety protocols makes them culpable.
- Individual store tenants – If an unsafe condition exists in or outside a specific store, they can be deemed responsible.
- Janitorial or maintenance contractors – Companies hired to provide cleaning or repairs can be liable if services are inadequate.
- Security contractors – Injuries that occur in unsupervised areas due to lack of patrols can be their responsibility.
- Third party delivery companies – Drivers making deliveries who leave behind spill hazards may share liability.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Injury
If you are injured in a shopping center slip and fall accident, be sure to take these steps to protect your rights:
- Report the incident – Notify management and security right away to create a record. Get copies of incident reports.
- Photograph the scene – Use your cellphone to take pictures of what caused you to slip. Get shots from multiple angles.
- Get witness info – Talk to anyone who saw the fall and get their full contact details. Ask if they would provide a written statement.
- Seek medical care – Get evaluated and treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Follow all treatment plans.
- Keep receipts – Retain receipts for all related medical bills, prescriptions, equipment, therapy expenses, and costs for hired help.
- Document effects on daily life – Keep a journal detailing how the injury has impacted your mobility and quality of life.
- Consult an attorney – Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your claim.
How an El Paso Injury Lawyer Can Help
Pursuing a premises liability claim against a shopping center requires in-depth legal knowledge and negotiating skills. An accomplished El Paso personal injury attorney can provide vital help, including:
- Investigating the accident circumstances to prove negligence.
- Inspecting the accident scene to identify hazards.
- Interviewing witnesses to establish key facts.
- Consulting with medical experts to prove injury causation.
- Dealing with insurance companies to demand full and fair compensation.
- Determining all sources of liability and ensuring everyone responsible is held accountable.
- Estimating the true costs of medical treatment and effects on earning capacity.
- Filing a lawsuit if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
- Presenting compelling evidence and argument in court if necessary.
- Ensuring you receive full compensation for all damages suffered.
Protect Your Rights After a Shopping Center Slip and Fall
Don’t jeopardize your right to receive full compensation if you are injured by a slippery shopping center floor. The experienced El Paso slip and fall attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys offer free case evaluations.
Contact us at (915) 285-4333 or visit our office at 1250 East Cliff Drive Suite #1, El Paso, TX 79902 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
