Slips and falls in Missouri City can be extremely traumatic. These types of accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and leave you in serious pain. They can also cost you a lot of money in medical bills and might even cause you not to be able to work, which can be very stressful for you and your family. When these accidents occur due to someone else’s negligence, victims may be entitled to compensation.
If the accident was the result of negligence on the part of a property owner or manager, an experienced Missouri City slip and fall lawyer will help you make sense of the process and be on your side every step of the way.
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What Is a Slip and Fall Injury?
A slip and fall injury occurs when a person loses their footing and falls due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. These injuries can range from minor bruises to severe and life-altering conditions such as broken bones, concussions, or even paralysis. Slip and fall accidents are common in various settings, including (but not limited to):
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Office buildings
- Outdoor public areas
Property owners have a legal obligation to ensure their premises are safe for visitors, and when they fail to do so, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries. Slip and fall injuries fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners accountable for dangerous conditions on their property. A Missouri City slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options if you’ve been injured in such an accident.
Investigating Your Missouri City Slip and Fall Case Damages
Thorough investigation is key to building a strong slip and fall accident case. Your Missouri City slip and fall lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible. This process typically includes:
- Photographs and videos: Capturing images of the accident scene can help document hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
- Witness statements: Gathering testimony from people who saw the accident can provide valuable insights into how it happened and whether the property owner was negligent.
- Medical records: Your medical history and treatment plan will be crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with them.
- Expert testimony: Experts such as medical professionals and safety engineers may be called upon to provide their opinions on the accident and injuries sustained.
By working with an experienced Missouri City slip and fall lawyer, you can ensure that every detail of your case is thoroughly investigated to maximize your chances of securing compensation.
Available in a Winning Missouri City Slip and Fall Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These damages are designed to cover the financial, physical, and emotional impact of your injuries. A successful slip and fall accident claim can result in compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical costs related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, as well as future earning capacity if your ability to work has been permanently affected.
- Pain and suffering: Slip and fall injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress, and victims may be compensated for these non-economic damages.
- Rehabilitation costs: If you require ongoing physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation, these costs can be included in your compensation claim.
A knowledgeable Missouri City slip and fall lawyer near you can help evaluate your damages and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Negligence in a Missouri City Slip and Fall Accident; Who’s Fault Is It?
Determining fault in a slip and fall accident hinges on proving negligence. In Missouri City, Texas, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises and address potential hazards promptly. Negligence occurs when a property owner fails to meet this duty of care, resulting in unsafe conditions that cause an injury.
To establish negligence in a slip and fall case, you and your Missouri City slip and fall lawyer must demonstrate the following:
- Duty of care: The property owner owed you a duty to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of duty: The property owner failed to address or repair a hazardous condition on their property.
- Causation: The property owner’s negligence directly caused your slip and fall accident.
- Damages: You sustained injuries as a result of the accident, and these injuries have led to financial losses.
In some cases, both the injured party and the property owner may share responsibility for the accident. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover any compensation. It’s essential to consult with a skilled Missouri City slip and fall lawyer to assess your situation and determine liability.
What Compensation Can You Receive After a Missouri City Slip and Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall accident in Missouri City, victims may be eligible for various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Compensation may include:
- Medical bills: Covering all expenses related to emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be compensated for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: These damages are intended to compensate for the physical and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
- Rehabilitation costs: Injuries from slip and fall accidents often require long-term physical therapy or rehabilitation, and compensation should cover these expenses.
- Disability or disfigurement: If your injury results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Consulting with a Missouri City slip and fall accident lawyer is the best way to ensure that you pursue all available avenues for compensation.
What Are Some Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents can happen for various reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Knowing the potential hazards can help prevent accidents and establish liability when they occur. Common causes of slip and fall injuries include:
Snow and Ice on Stairs, Sidewalks, and Parking Lots
Snow and ice pose significant dangers, especially during winter months. Property owners are responsible for clearing these hazards in a timely manner to prevent accidents.
Greasy, Oily, or Waxy Floors
Spills of grease, oil, or wax can create dangerously slippery surfaces. These substances should be cleaned up immediately, and warning signs should be placed until the area is safe.
Wet, Slippery Floors
Whether from spilled liquids or recent cleaning, wet floors are a leading cause of slip and fall accidents. Property owners must address wet surfaces quickly to avoid potential injuries.
Food Debris on the Floor
In busy establishments like restaurants or grocery stores, food debris can cause dangerous slip and fall accidents. Regular maintenance and cleaning can reduce the risk.
Hazardous Staircases
Staircases with loose or broken handrails, uneven steps, or poor lighting create dangerous conditions that can lead to serious falls.
Uneven Curbs and Sidewalks
Cracked or uneven sidewalks and curbs can easily trip someone up, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.
Exposed Wires and Cords
Loose wires or cords in walkways are dangerous trip hazards that property owners must secure or remove promptly.
Loose Rugs or Carpeting
Rugs that are not properly secured or carpeting that has become loose can create dangerous tripping hazards, especially in high-traffic areas.
What Are Some Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:
Broken Bones
Fractures of the arms, legs, hips, and wrists are common in slip and fall accidents, especially among older adults.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Deep Lacerations
Sharp objects or broken glass can cause deep lacerations, leading to significant blood loss and possible infection.
Muscle Sprains and Strains
Slips and falls can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to painful sprains that require rehabilitation.
Elbow Injuries
When a person tries to break their fall with their arms, the impact can cause painful elbow injuries, including fractures and dislocations.
Leg and Ankle Injuries
Twisting or awkward landings during a fall can result in leg and ankle injuries such as sprains, fractures, or ligament damage.
Tailbone Injuries
Falls directly onto the lower back can lead to bruised or broken tailbones, which can be extremely painful and take a long time to heal.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Falls that result in a person hitting their head can lead to concussions or more severe TBIs, which may cause long-term cognitive issues.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Severe falls can lead to debilitating back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord damage, which may result in chronic pain or paralysis.
Paralysis
In the most severe cases, a slip and fall accident can lead to partial or total paralysis, profoundly affecting the victim’s quality of life.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident is crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional to prevent complications and establish a record of your injuries.
- Report the incident: Notify the property owner or manager of the accident as soon as possible. Make sure they document the incident in writing.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall. Collect witness information and keep records of any correspondence with the property owner.
- Contact a slip and fall lawyer: Reach out to a qualified Missouri City slip and fall lawyer to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Texas Has a Statute of Limitations Deadline for Missouri City Injury Cases
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including slip and fall accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury, according to §75.007 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. This means you must file your lawsuit within this time frame to preserve your right to seek compensation.
§75.007 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
The specific legal framework for slip and fall accidents and similar premises liability claims fall under §75.007 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. According to this section, property owners may be held liable if their negligence results in hazardous conditions that cause a slip and fall accident. However, your claim must be filed within the two-year statute of limitations.
Exceptions to the Deadline
In some cases, this two-year deadline can be extended:
- Discovery rule: If your injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start from when you discovered or should have discovered it.
- Legal disability: If the injured person is under 18 or mentally incapacitated, the statute may be paused until the disability ends.
- Defendant’s absence: If the at-fault party is out of Texas, the time they’re absent may not count toward the deadline.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
Missing the filing deadline could result in your case being dismissed, which is why it’s crucial to contact a Missouri City slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. Consulting with an experienced Missouri City slip and fall lawyer will help ensure that your case is filed on time and give you the best chance to recover compensation.
Missouri City Slip and Fall Accident FAQ
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident in Missouri City, Texas?
After a slip and fall accident, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention. Report the incident to the property owner and document the scene with photos and witness information.
How soon after the incident should I seek medical attention?
It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Delaying medical treatment could harm your health and weaken your personal injury claim.
Are property owners in Missouri City responsible for ensuring safe conditions to prevent slip and fall accidents?
Yes, property owners in Missouri City have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises. If they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they can be held liable for damages.
What evidence should I gather at the scene of the slip and fall accident?
Take photos and videos of the hazardous condition, get contact information from witnesses, and document any conversations with the property owner. This evidence will be crucial in building your case.
How do I determine if I have a valid slip and fall case in Missouri City, Texas?
Consult with an experienced Missouri City slip and fall lawyer who can evaluate your case, determine liability, and advise you on the best course of action.
Consult With a Skilled Missouri City Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Today
Slip and fall accidents can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping victims of slip and fall accidents in Missouri City, Texas, secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward with their lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let an experienced Missouri City slip and fall lawyer on our team fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.