September Slips and Falls: Liability for Injuries at Texas Football Games and Events

Cheering for your favorite team should be about excitement and community—not about ending the night in the emergency room. While injuries to players are an expected part of sports, injuries to fans in the stands or at tailgates are often overlooked. With football season back in full swing, it’s worth taking a closer look at the risks fans face at games and what legal options are available when those risks turn into real harm.

This blog explains the most common hazards at football games, how liability works under Texas law, and what steps you should take if you or a loved one is injured at a sports event.

Common Hazards at Football Games and Events

Football games attract thousands of people, which creates crowded conditions where accidents become more likely. Some of the most common slip-and-fall hazards include:

• Wet Floors – Concessions, spilled drinks, or recently cleaned walkways can create slick surfaces. When thousands of fans are rushing back to their seats, a single spill can lead to multiple falls and serious injuries like broken bones or concussions.

• Uneven Walkways – Stadium steps, cracked pavement, or poorly maintained surfaces can catch a foot at just the wrong moment. Tripping hazards are especially dangerous when the lighting is low or when fans are distracted by the game.

• Inadequate Lighting – Dim stairwells, parking lots, or exit areas make it harder for fans to see hazards, especially at night games. Poor lighting increases the chance of missing uneven steps, curbs, or spilled drinks.

• Overcrowding – Large crowds at entrances and exits can create chaos. Pushing, rushing, or tripping during peak times puts fans at risk of falls or trampling injuries.

While some fans chalk these incidents up to “bad luck,” most are preventable with proper maintenance and safety measures.

Who Is Responsible for Slip and Fall Accidents?

When someone is injured at a football game or tailgate, the first question is often: Who’s at fault? In Texas, these cases usually fall under premises liability law. That means the property owner—or those responsible for running the event—must keep the area reasonably safe for visitors.

Potentially responsible parties include:

• School officials – if the game takes place on school property.

• Stadium operators or staff – responsible for maintenance, security, and crowd management.

• Event organizers – when outside groups host or manage the event.

If any of these groups fail to correct hazards, warn attendees, or manage crowds safely, they may be held liable for injuries.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury

If you or a loved one is hurt while attending a sports event, the steps you take immediately afterward can make a big difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.

1. Seek Medical Help – Even if an injury feels minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like concussions or ligament damage) may not be obvious right away.

2. Report the Accident – Notify stadium staff, school officials, or event organizers as soon as possible. An official report creates a record of the incident.

3. Gather Documentation – Take photos of the scene, save medical records, and collect witness statements. These details can be crucial if you pursue a claim.

4. Consult an Attorney – Premises liability cases can be complex. An experienced lawyer can investigate what went wrong and who should be held accountable.

Injured at a Sports Event? Call Shaw.

Football season should be about touchdowns, tailgates, and cheering in the stands—not hospital visits. When negligence turns a night of fun into a painful memory, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

If you or a loved one has been injured while attending a sports event anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Ambulance Costs

• ER Treatment

• Surgeries

• Medical Bills

• Pain and Suffering

• Property Damage

• Missed Work

• Wrongful Death

• And More

We’ll help you find out if you have a case—for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our personal injury attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.