How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Texas?

A slip and fall accident can leave you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term pain. Whether it happened at a grocery store, a restaurant, or on a poorly maintained sidewalk, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the opportunity to pursue a legal claim is not unlimited. In Texas, there is a legal deadline for filing a slip and fall lawsuit—and missing it could mean losing your right to recover damages altogether.

If you’ve been injured, it’s critical to understand how long you have to act and why working with a legal team like Stanley & Associates, PLLC can make all the difference in protecting your rights.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Lawsuits in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including slip and fall claims, is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have a two-year window to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, whether it’s a business owner, property manager, or another negligent party.

If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed—no matter how severe your injuries are or how clear the property owner's liability may seem.

Why This Deadline Matters

Two years might sound like a long time, but slip and fall cases require preparation. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget what they saw, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your claim.

At Stanley & Associates, PLLC, we encourage clients to contact us as soon as possible after their injury. Early involvement allows us to:

• Preserve key evidence (security footage, incident reports, etc.)
• Interview witnesses while memories are still fresh
• Manage communications with insurance companies
• Build a strong foundation for your case

The sooner we begin, the better positioned we are to pursue the compensation you need.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline?

While two years is the standard in most cases, there are a few exceptions that could shorten or extend the deadline:

• Claims involving a government entity (like a fall on city property): You may need to file a notice of claim within 6 months or less.
• Cases involving minors or individuals with mental incapacity: The clock may not start until the person reaches legal capacity.
• Delayed discovery of injury: In rare cases, if an injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the timeline may begin once it is discovered.

These situations can be legally complex. That’s why it’s best to speak with a qualified attorney who can assess your specific case. Stanley & Associates, PLLC can evaluate your timeline and make sure your claim is filed properly and on time.

What Happens If You File Too Late?

Filing your claim after the statute of limitations expires will almost always result in dismissal. The courts are strict about deadlines, and the property owner or their insurance company will use this as a defense to avoid paying you anything.

Don't lose your chance to seek justice. If you're even considering a claim, it's better to act quickly and get legal advice before it's too late.

Stanley & Associates, PLLC Is Here to Help

At Stanley & Associates, PLLC, we represent slip and fall victims across Plano and throughout Texas. We understand the physical, financial, and emotional challenges that come with these accidents, and we’re committed to fighting for fair compensation on your behalf.

When you work with us, you’ll get:

• No upfront fees
• Free case evaluations
• Responsive legal support
• A firm that only gets paid if you win*

Our team knows what it takes to hold negligent property owners accountable and to recover damages for your injuries, medical costs, and pain and suffering.

Take Action Before Time Runs Out

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Every day that passes makes your case harder to prove—and brings you one step closer to the deadline.

📞 Call Stanley & Associates, PLLC at 469-645-0645