Shopping malls and big box retail stores throughout Texas welcome thousands of customers every day. With large crowds, expansive parking lots, and constant activity, these businesses have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for shoppers. Unfortunately, injuries and violent crimes do happen — and when property owners fail to provide proper security or address hazardous conditions, they may be held liable through a premises liability lawsuit.
Texas law protects customers from injuries caused by unsafe property conditions or preventable criminal acts. If you or a loved one was injured while visiting a shopping mall, department store, or big box retailer, you may have the right to seek compensation.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners responsible when someone is injured on their property due to negligence. In a shopping mall or large retail store setting, this means the business must take reasonable steps to:
- Inspect the property for hazards
- Repair dangerous conditions
- Provide adequate warnings of known risks
- Implement necessary security measures
Failure to do so can lead to liability if a customer is injured.
Common Causes of Injuries in Texas Shopping Malls and Stores
Premises liability claims often arise from:
Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wet or slippery floors
- Spills that aren’t cleaned promptly
- Uneven or broken flooring
- Poor lighting in walkways or stairwells
Parking Lot Hazards
- Potholes or broken pavement causing trips or falls
- Poor lighting contributing to accidents or assaults
- Vehicle-pedestrian collisions in congested lots
Negligent Security
- Assaults or robberies in parking garages or isolated areas
- Inadequate security personnel in high-crime areas
- Lack of functioning security cameras
- Failing to prevent foreseeable criminal acts
Falling Merchandise or Unsafe Displays
- Items improperly stacked or shelved
- Overhead storage falling onto customers
Escalator or Elevator Accidents
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Poor maintenance leading to injuries
Negligent Security in Shopping Centers
Shopping malls and big box stores must consider the safety of their customers both inside the store and in surrounding areas like parking lots or garages. In high-crime areas, businesses should implement enhanced security measures, especially if there is a history of crime in the area.
Reasonable security measures may include:
- Security guards patrolling the property
- Working surveillance cameras
- Adequate lighting in parking areas
- Emergency call boxes or alarm systems
- Limiting access to restricted areas
When a customer is injured due to a violent crime that could have been prevented with reasonable security, the property owner may be liable for negligent security.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
If you are injured due to unsafe conditions or negligent security at a shopping mall or retail store, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
What Should You Do After an Injury at a Mall or Retail Store?
If you’ve been injured at a shopping mall or store:
- Report the incident to store management immediately.
- Request that an incident report be created.
- Take photographs of the hazard or location where the injury occurred.
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Contact an experienced premises liability lawyer.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Help After an Injury in a Shopping Mall or Retail Store
Premises liability claims against shopping malls and large retail stores can be complex. That’s why it’s critical to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent injury victims throughout Houston and across Texas. We investigate thoroughly, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation for our clients.
📞 Call us today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we win your case.
If a store or shopping center failed to protect your safety — we are ready to hold them accountable.