HOUSTON SLIP AND FALL LAWYER

Slip and fall claims are a type of premises liability claim. In Texas, the facts can include the condition of the property, what the owner or manager knew or should have known, your status on the property, and whether the condition caused your injuries. Read our Texas premises liability guide to learn how the broader claim works.

If you were injured in Houston or the surrounding area, Dodson Law Firm can help you understand your options after a fall. We offer a free injury case review.

Dodson Law Firm serves Houston-area injury clients from 1235 North Loop West, Suite 208, Houston, TX 77008.

Call Now at 713-338-2525 or Contact Us to discuss what happened. For injury matters, there is no fee unless there is a successful recovery.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Houston

Slip and fall accidents happen for different reasons, many of which are preventable with proper property maintenance and care.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Wet or slippery surfaces, such as spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors.
• Uneven flooring or pavement, including cracked sidewalks, loose carpets, or missing tiles.
• Poor lighting, which makes it difficult to see potential hazards.
• Obstacles in walkways, like extension cords, boxes, or debris.
• Lack or inadequacy of handrails or guardrails on stairs or elevated surfaces.

When property owners fail to address these issues promptly, they put visitors at risk of serious harm.

Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents

The impact of a slip and fall accident is usually devastating, and most injuries have long-lasting consequences.

Some of the most common harm we see in our practice include:

• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis or chronic pain.
• Fractures and broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles.
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions.
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma stemming from the incident.

These special and general damages often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work, which can create a significant financial burden for accident victims and their families.

Premises Liability in Texas

The Supreme Court of Texas ruled in 1985 when hearing REDINGER v. LIVING that property owners in Texas have an “implied legal duty” to maintain safe conditions on their premises for visitors.

This responsibility is known as premises liability, and it applies to a wide range of properties, including:

• Retail stores and shopping centers.
• Restaurants and bars.
• Office buildings and workplaces.
• Apartment complexes and rental properties.
• Private residences.

The level of care a property owner owes to a visitor depends on the visitor’s classification.

Invitees

Individuals who enter a property for the mutual benefit of both parties, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, requiring them to fix known hazards and inspect for potential dangers.

Licensees

People who enter a property with the owner’s permission but for their own purposes, like social guests. Property owners must warn licensees of known hazards but do not have to inspect for potential issues.

Trespassers

Those who enter a property without permission. Property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, except in cases involving attractive nuisances or willful injury.

It’s important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall claim in Texas is two years from the accident date. This rule means that if you fail to take legal action within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case

You must demonstrate that the property owner was negligent in maintaining safe conditions on their premises to succeed in a slip and fall claim.

This task involves establishing four key elements:

1. Duty of care: The property owner owed you a duty of care based on your visitor classification.
2. Breach of duty: The property owner failed to uphold their duty of care by allowing a hazardous condition to exist on the property.
3. Causation: The hazardous condition actually and directly caused your slip and fall accident and resulting injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering resulting from the accident.

The Dodson Law Firm, PLLC will work diligently to gather evidence supporting each of these elements, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony, to build a strong case on your behalf.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Taking the proper steps after a slip and fall accident can significantly affect your ability to pursue a successful legal claim.

Seek medical attention

Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional to ensure no hidden issues exist and establish a record of your treatment.

Report the accident

Notify the property owner or manager about the incident as soon as possible. Ask them to create an official accident report and request a copy for your records.

Document the scene

If you can, take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall and any visible injuries you sustained. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.

Keep records

Maintain detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and communications related to the accident. This documentation will be essential in pursuing your slip and fall claim.

Consult with a slip and fall attorney

Contact an experienced Houston slip and fall lawyer who can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through seeking fair compensation for your injuries.

How Houston Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help

Litigating a complex slip and fall claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your physical recovery.

That’s where a skilled Houston slip and fall lawyer comes in.

The Dodson Law Firm, PLLC can:

• Investigate the accident and gather critical evidence to support your claim.
• Identify all liable parties, including property owners, managers, and maintenance companies.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full value of your claim.
• Calculate fair compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for the justice you deserve.

With our personal injury attorneys in your corner, you can relax knowing that professional litigators are protecting your rights and working tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Recoverable Damages in a Slip and Fall Claim

The compensation you receive for a slip and fall claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific damages in your case.

Generally, recoverable harm may include:

• Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries.
• Lost wages and earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.
• Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the accident.
• Punitive damages, in rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Your Houston slip and fall lawyer will work closely with you to assess the accident’s full impact on your life and ensure that your claim accurately reflects the actual value of your losses.

Slip and Fall Prevention Tips for Property Owners

Property owners have a legal and moral obligation to maintain safe conditions for visitors.

To help prevent slip and fall accidents on your premises:

• Regularly inspect your property for hazards such as uneven surfaces, loose handrails, or inadequate lighting.
• Address any identified hazards promptly by repairing the issue or posting clear warning signs.
• Use proper signage to alert visitors to potential dangers, like wet floors or ongoing maintenance work.
• Ensure your property has adequate lighting in all areas, including stairwells, parking lots, and walkways.
• Implement and enforce safety policies and procedures, and train your staff to recognize and respond to potential hazards.

Taking proactive steps to maintain a safe environment minimizes the risk of facing a premises liability claim.

Free Houston Slip and Fall Case Review

If you were hurt in a slip and fall, a free injury case review can help you understand what to do next. For injury matters, there is no fee unless there is a successful recovery.

Call Now at 713-338-2525 or Contact Us to discuss your accident with Dodson Law Firm.