Claims · Insurance Term
Slip and Fall Claim
Definition
A slip and fall claim is a liability claim from someone injured after slipping, tripping or falling on a property, often blaming a hazard like a wet floor, uneven pavement or poor lighting. These claims are usually handled under general liability insurance.
In Plain English
Slip and fall claims are one of the most common forms of premises liability. They happen in parking lots, store aisles, hotel lobbies, stairways and pool areas. Many are small, but serious injuries can lead to large lawsuits.
Your commercial general liability policy usually defends and pays covered claims. Many policies also include medical payments coverage, which can pay an injured visitor's modest medical bills regardless of fault and sometimes heads off a lawsuit.
The key questions are usually whether there was a dangerous condition, whether the owner knew or should have known about it, and whether it was fixed or warned about in a reasonable time. Inspection and cleaning records help.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical and simplified: a customer slips on spilled soda in a convenience store and hurts a knee. Medical payments coverage pays $3,000 of urgent care bills. If the customer later sues for more, the general liability policy would usually defend the claim, subject to its terms.
Why It Matters for Texas Property Owners
Under Texas proportionate responsibility rules, a person found more than 50% responsible for their own fall cannot recover damages (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.001). In most Texas personal injury cases, a lawsuit generally must be filed within two years (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003). Ask a Texas attorney about any specific claim.
What to Watch For
- Keep written inspection and cleaning logs, especially for floors, entrances and parking lots.
- Save video footage and incident reports right after any fall.
- Report every incident to your insurer promptly, even if no one says they will sue.
- Fix hazards quickly and use warning signs during cleaning.
Sources
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001 (proportionate responsibility)
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 (two-year limitations period)
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write