I’m James Perrin, a Lubbock slip and fall attorney with more than 20 years of experience helping injured Texans get back on their feet. If you’ve been hurt in a fall—at a store, apartment complex, parking lot, or any other property—you probably have more questions than answers. That’s normal.
I’ve represented teachers, truck drivers, retirees, single parents—people from every walk of life who got hurt because someone didn’t fix a simple hazard. I’ve also handled cases involving car, motorcycle, and even rideshare accidents, so I understand how slip and fall claims fit into the broader world of personal injury law. I know the local businesses, the property owners, and even the defense lawyers you might be up against. That kind of local insight matters.
If you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or just trying to make sense of your rights, at Perrin Law Injury & Accident Lawyer, I’ll sit down with you and lay it out clearly. No legal jargon. No pressure. Just real help. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless I recover the compensation you need to move forward.
You don’t have to face this alone. Call today to schedule your free consultation and find out how I can help you get the accountability and recovery you deserve.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident Under Texas Law?
Under Texas law, a slip and fall isn’t just “an accident.” It can be a legal claim if someone’s negligence caused it. These cases fall under what’s called premises liability—a property owner’s legal responsibility to keep their space reasonably safe.
In plain terms, if a store, landlord, or business knew about a dangerous condition—or should have known—and didn’t fix it, they may be liable. That’s the core of it: duty of care, a failure to act, and someone getting hurt because of it.
I’ve seen cases where someone slipped on spilled drinks in a grocery aisle with no warning sign. I’ve handled falls on broken staircases in apartment buildings where complaints had been ignored for months. I’ve represented victims injured by loose mats, poor lighting, icy sidewalks, and other hazards that could’ve—and should’ve—been fixed.
If your fall was caused by a hazard that should’ve been fixed, you may have a strong premises liability claim, and I’m here to help you pursue it.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Lubbock
Most slip and fall injuries aren’t caused by bad luck—they’re caused by bad property management. I’ve worked with clients across Lubbock who were seriously injured because someone failed to fix a hazard or take basic safety steps. Whether it’s a business that cut corners or a landlord who ignored complaints, these accidents are preventable. Here are some of the most common causes I see in local cases, and how they often point to clear negligence.
Wet or Slippery Floors
Slippery floors are one of the most frequent reasons people get hurt. You see it all over Lubbock—spilled drinks in convenience stores, water pooled near entrances after rain, cleaning crews mopping during business hours without any warning signs. I’ve had clients fall in restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops where the floors were slick and unmarked. Under Texas law, these places have a duty to either fix the hazard or clearly warn you. If they don’t and you fall, they’re responsible.
Uneven or Broken Sidewalks
Sidewalks that are cracked, raised, or crumbling are more than an eyesore; they’re dangerous. I’ve handled cases where clients tripped on busted concrete outside apartment buildings, strip malls, and public spaces. When a property owner knows a walkway is damaged and does nothing to fix it, that’s a breach of their legal duty. If you’ve fallen because of a broken sidewalk, there’s a good chance the property owner had plenty of time to fix it and decided not to do it.
Poor Lighting
Lighting isn’t just a convenience; it’s a safety issue. I’ve represented clients who tripped in dimly lit parking lots, stairwells, and apartment hallways where they couldn’t see the step or obstacle that caused the fall. In several cases, the lights had been out for days or weeks with no action taken. Property owners are required to provide safe conditions, and that includes making sure lighting is adequate in walkways, entry points, and high-traffic areas. If poor lighting led to your fall, it’s not your fault; it’s theirs.
Cluttered Walkways or Aisles
Retail stores, warehouses, and even some office buildings in Lubbock often create their own hazards just by being careless. Boxes left in aisles, merchandise displays jutting out into walkways, tangled cords—these are real dangers. These environments are supposed to be inspected regularly. If management allows clutter to pile up and you get hurt because of it, they can be held accountable for the outcome.
Unsafe Stairs or Handrails
When stairs are uneven, broken, or missing proper handrails, the chances of an accident increase. The consequences are rarely minor—falls on staircases often lead to severe injuries like back trauma, head injuries, or broken hips. I’ve helped clients recover after falling on stairs that hadn’t been repaired in years or where the handrails wobbled or were never installed. In Texas, property owners must maintain all walking surfaces to a safe standard, and that includes stairs and railings. If your fall happened because of a safety issue like that, you have rights—and I can help you protect them.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury?
In a slip and fall case, liability falls on the person or entity responsible for keeping the property safe. That could be a business owner, landlord, a property manager—or, in some cases, a government agency. As a premises liability attorney in Lubbock, I’ve handled all of the above. The key factor is whether that party knew—or should have known—about the hazard that caused your injury.
If a store ignores spills or a restaurant fails to maintain safe flooring, you may have grounds to sue the business for slip and fall injuries caused by their negligence. In tragic cases where a fall leads to catastrophic injury or even wrongful death, I work with families to pursue accountability and justice.
If it happened in an apartment complex, it might be the landlord or management company. These are considered private property cases. In these situations, I look for signs of negligence: overdue maintenance, ignored complaints, failure to inspect walkways, and lack of safety protocols.
Now, public property cases are a different case. If you tripped on a city-maintained sidewalk, fell inside a government building, or slipped at a public school or park, the rules change. You’re dealing with a government entity—and in Texas, that means strict notice deadlines and damage caps under the Texas Tort Claims Act.
Whether your fall happened on public or private property, the burden is still on you to prove the hazard existed and wasn’t addressed in time. That’s why it’s critical to investigate early. I know how to identify who’s legally responsible—and I don’t let them hide behind red tape or corporate excuses.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Lubbock, TX, simply being hurt isn’t enough to win your case. Under Texas law, you have to prove that the property owner or business was negligent—that they had a duty to keep the area safe, failed to do so, and that failure directly caused your injury.
As a Lubbock slip and fall lawyer, this is what I handle every day. I know how to uncover the facts, build a strong case, and hold property owners accountable when their carelessness causes someone else to suffer.
Here’s what we’ll need to prove:
Duty of Care
Texas law says that property owners owe a duty of care to people who legally enter their property. If you’re a customer, a tenant, or a contractor—this duty applies to you. Businesses must clean up spills. Apartment managers must fix broken stairs. If someone lets you onto their property, they’re legally responsible for keeping it safe. As a trip and fall lawyer in Texas, I focus on making sure that duty is enforced when it’s ignored.
Notice of the Hazard
One of the most important parts of a slip and fall case is proving that the owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard. Maybe a manager walked past a spill and did nothing, or maybe complaints about broken pavement were ignored for months. In cases where you want to sue a business for slip and fall injuries, proving notice is key. That’s why I gather records, talk to witnesses, and uncover what really happened before the fall.
Failure to Fix or Warn
Once the property owner is aware of a danger, they have two options: fix it or warn people about it. If they do neither, and you’re injured because of that, they can be held liable. That’s where I come in—to prove their inaction led to harm and fight for compensation for fall injury in Texas. Whether it’s a store, an apartment building, or a public place—if they knew about the danger and didn’t do anything, I’ll build the case to hold them accountable.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Lubbock
What you do in the hours and days after a fall can make or break your case. I’ve seen too many claims fall apart because the right steps weren’t taken early on.
Get medical care immediately
Even if you think it’s “just a bruise,” get checked out. Injuries like concussions or spinal damage don’t always show up right away. Local providers like UMC Lubbock and Covenant Health are trusted hospitals where you can get a full evaluation. Your medical records will also serve as critical evidence.
Document the scene.
Take photos of what caused your fall—whether it’s a wet floor, broken step, or poor lighting. Capture the location, your injuries, and anything else that shows what happened. Don’t assume the property owner will preserve this evidence for you.
Report the incident
Tell the property owner, manager, or staff what happened and ask for a written report. Keep a copy for your records. This creates a paper trail that can back up your claim.
Call a lawyer early
Evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets erased, spills are cleaned, and sidewalks get patched. By contacting me right away, I can secure that evidence, speak to witnesses, and protect your rights before the case gets harder to prove.
You don’t have to handle this alone. The sooner I’m involved, the stronger your case can be.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Claim?
Every slip and fall case is different, but one thing is true across the board: these accidents cost more than people realize. From hospital bills to missed paychecks, the impact is both financial and personal. As your premises liability attorney in Lubbock, I look at every angle of your case to make sure you’re compensated fully—not just for what you’ve lost so far, but also for what you’ll need in the future. Here are the main types of damages we can pursue.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills add up quickly after a slip and fall accident in Lubbock, TX. An ambulance ride, emergency room care at UMC Lubbock or Covenant Health, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and physical therapy—all of these come with heavy costs. Compensation covers both past and future medical needs, including follow-up appointments, prescriptions, mobility equipment, and long-term rehabilitation. In serious cases, we bring in medical experts to project your lifetime care needs so nothing gets overlooked.
Lost Wages & Future Earning Capacity
When an injury forces you to miss work, you’re entitled to recover the income you lost. But it doesn’t stop there. If your injury limits your ability to return to the same job or earn the same level of income, we calculate future earning capacity as well. For example, a construction worker with a back injury may no longer lift heavy materials, or a teacher with a traumatic brain injury may struggle to return to the classroom. These future losses can be just as devastating as the immediate ones.
Pain and Suffering
Not every loss shows up on a bill. Pain, sleepless nights, depression, anxiety, and the frustration of losing your independence—these are real damages recognized under Texas law. Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the human toll of your accident. Juries and insurance companies weigh factors like the severity of the injury, the recovery time, and how your day-to-day life has changed. My job is to make sure your suffering is not minimized or brushed aside.
Disability or Long-Term Injuries
Some slip and fall injuries never fully heal. Spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe fractures can leave lasting disabilities. In these cases, compensation may include modifications to your home, ongoing therapy, in-home care, or the cost of assistive technology. If your injury permanently changes how you live or work, Texas law allows you to recover for that loss. As a Lubbock slip & fall attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how critical this compensation is for clients and their families trying to move forward.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Texas?
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Lubbock TX, the law gives you a limited window to take action. In Texas, most personal injury cases—including slip and fall claims—must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Miss that deadline, and you may lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. That’s why it’s so important to understand the rules and act quickly.
Texas Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the legal time limit to file a lawsuit. In slip and fall cases, the two-year clock usually starts ticking on the day of the accident. That means if you slipped on a wet floor, tripped on a broken step, or fell due to poor lighting, you generally have two years from that date to file your claim in court. Waiting too long gives insurance companies and property owners the upper hand—they know if the deadline passes, they’re off the hook.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
In some scenarios, the two-year deadline may not apply. For example, if the fall occurred on public property, such as a city sidewalk or government building, you may be obliged to file a formal notice of claim within six months under the Texas Tort Claims Act. In rare cases, if the injured person is a minor or mentally incapacitated, the clock may pause until they are legally able to bring the claim. Because these rules can be complex, the safest move is to speak with a Lubbock slip & fall attorney as early as possible to protect your rights.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Case in Texas?
Many people wonder if they really need a lawyer after a fall. The truth is, you can try to handle a claim on your own—but you’ll be up against insurance companies whose entire job is to deny or minimize payouts. They know the loopholes, and they won’t hesitate to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that the accident was your fault.
As a slip & fall lawyer in Lubbock, I know how to gather the proof that makes a difference—medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and inspection logs. I build cases that show exactly where the property owner failed and why you deserve compensation.
At Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer, you will not be sent off to an assistant or junior associates. I’ll be the one who listens to your tale, answers your questions, and stands up to the insurance company for you. That personal care is what distinguishes my practice.
How Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you’re injured in a slip and fall, the legal process can feel overwhelming. My job is to take that burden off your shoulders. With over 20 years of experience as a slip & fall lawyer in Lubbock, I know what it takes to build a strong case and sue businesses for slip and fall injuries. Here’s how I approach every case I take on:
Investigating the Scene and Gathering Evidence
The first step is to gather the facts. I don’t just read reports; when possible, I go to the place where the accident happened, photograph the evidence, and collect it before it disappears. This could include acquiring security footage, obtaining maintenance records, or interviewing witnesses. I also collaborate with medical professionals to directly link your injuries to the fall. The idea is to secure proof early so that the other side cannot alter their version later.
Proving Property Owner Negligence
To win compensation for a fall injury in Texas, we have to prove negligence. I dig into whether the owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard and failed to act. That could be a store that ignored repeated complaints about wet floors or an apartment complex that let broken stairs go unrepaired. I put together the evidence in a way that makes it clear: the accident wasn’t your fault; it was theirs.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Most slip and fall cases include negotiating with an insurance company that seeks to pay as little as possible. I won’t allow them get away with lowball deals; instead, I give a detailed case supported by evidence—medical bills, missed pay, pain and suffering—to demonstrate the entire value of your claim. My mission is to ensure that you receive reasonable compensation for a fall injury in Texas, rather than a fast settlement that leaves you struggling later.
Taking the Case to Trial, If Needed
Not every case settles, and that’s okay. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, I’m ready to take your case to court. With years of trial experience, I know how to present your story to a jury and fight for the outcome you deserve. Some lawyers push clients to settle quickly—I don’t. If trial is what it takes to win, I’ll stand by you every step of the way.
Why Choose Perrin Law PLLC for Your Slip and Fall Case
I’ve lived and worked in Lubbock my whole life. This isn’t just where I practice law—it’s home. Over the last 20 years, I’ve represented teachers, oilfield workers, students, and retirees from right here in our community. When someone gets hurt in a fall, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects their family, their work, and their future. I take that personally.
Because I run my own firm, you won’t get lost in a system or passed around to junior lawyers. When you call Perrin Law PLLC Injury & Accident Lawyer, it’s me giving you the answers. I’m the one walking through the evidence with you, and I’m the one standing in front of the insurance company demanding they pay what’s fair.
And you never pay me unless we win. That way, you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about legal bills. For me, this work isn’t about quick settlements—it’s about helping people in my community rebuild after being knocked down.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Lubbock Slip and Fall Attorney
After a fall, most people don’t know what to do next—and that’s understandable. I’ve sat across from people in Lubbock who were worried about missing paychecks, surgeries they couldn’t afford, or whether anyone would even believe their story. That’s where I step in. My job is to take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing while I focus on the fight.
I’ll walk you through what a claim really looks like in plain English, not legal jargon. We’ll go over the evidence, the deadlines, and what kind of compensation may be on the table. And remember, calling me doesn’t cost you a thing. If I don’t win your case, you don’t pay me—simple as that.
