Every year, more than 8 million people need medical treatment from accidents involving falling. Slip and fall accidents account for a huge percentage of these 8 million+ fall injuries.
If you slipped and fell in a Dollar General or any other discount store, and you were hurt, you have a right to file a claim for the damages you have suffered. You can be awarded money to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any emotional pain and suffering you had because of the injuries.
What Are Texas’ Slip and Fall Laws?
In Texas people who have a slip and fall accident in a Dollar General or any other discount right the right to compensation for their injuries. But all slip and fall accidents are subject to two separate laws that can influence how much money you receive as compensation for those injuries. The first of these two laws is the law of Modified Comparative Negligence, while the second is the law of Premises Liability.
Modified Comparative Negligence
The law of Modified Comparative Negligence says that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident the amount of money that you receive will be reduced according to how much fault you have for the accident.
For example, if you are walking around Dollar General or any other discount store and you have earbuds in and you’re listening to music on your phone so you’re not paying attention to what’s in front of you and you slip and fall because there is a spilled dish soap on the floor you are partially responsible for your injuries. Any settlement that you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned.
Premises Liability
The other law that pertains to slip and fall accidents is premises liability. That law states that the property owner is legally at fault for a slip and fall accident if the owner is of the hazard and doesn’t take steps to fix it.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim Against a Discount Store in TX?
Every state has a different statute when it comes to how long you have to file a claim after you are injured. In Texas the statute says that you have 2 years to file a claim after you are injured.
What Do I Need to Prove in My Claim Against a Discount Store in TX?
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident at Dollar General or any other discount store in Texas you have to prove several elements before you will be able to get a settlement. In almost all cases before you will be awarded damages you need to prove that:
- They knew about the dangerous conditions
- They were negligent
- The accident caused your injuries
- That you paid out of pocket for medical expenses and treatment
- That you missed work because of your injuries
- That you sustained permanent injuries from the fall
To prove your slip and fall claim, you should present as much evidence as possible. This means that you should hang onto all of your receipts for every single penny you spend related to your injury, including money spent for over the counter things like bandages or painkillers.
You also should have evidence like witness statements, photos and/or video if possible, copies of the store’s accident report, your pay stubs showing how much money you missed out on (i.e., couldn’t earn) because you were injured and couldn’t work, and any other paperwork that can prove your claim.
Get in Touch with a Personal Injury Lawyer that Takes Texas Slip and Fall Cases Today
When it comes to slip and fall accidents, proving the negligence of stores like Dollar General and getting the settlement you deserve can be quite difficult. A slip and fall lawyer can help you get all of the money you’re entitled to. Thus, it is important that you work with a personal injury attorney from the beginning of your claims process so you can give yourself the best chances of getting the compensation you need and deserve.
To get connected with an independent, participating personal injury attorney who subscribes to our website and takes slip and fall cases in Texas, complete the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Dollar General, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
