Four Overlooked Places Slip and Fall Accidents Commonly Occur in Houston

Slip and fall accidents can happen unexpectedly, frequently leaving victims with life-altering injuries, medical expenses, and physical and emotional distress. Knowing some of the often overlooked slip and fall locations in Houston — and what actions you need to take after suffering injuries in a fall — can help you protect your rights.

4 Commonly Overlooked Slip and Fall Locations in Houston

A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, at any time, but certain places are more prone to these incidents than others, usually due to high traffic, poor maintenance, or other hazardous conditions. Here are four of the most commonly overlooked slip and fall sites in Houston.

1. Restaurants

Houston’s many eateries, which range from fine-dining restaurants to popular fast-food chains, typically see hundreds of daily visitors. Unfortunately, food and beverage spills, misplaced equipment or display stands, and recently cleaned floors can be dangerous if staff members are negligent in addressing or pointing them out.

Failure to use proper signs, promptly clean up messes, or deal with other hazards can lead to falls. Dim lighting and cluttered seating areas can further increase the risk of mishaps.

2. Office Buildings and Workplaces

While slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence in workplaces, they tend to affect visitors more than employees, because they are at particular risk due to a lack of familiarity with their surroundings. For example, offices with loose carpeting, exposed wiring, and wet floors could be a threat to unsuspecting visitors.

3. Apartment Complexes and Residential Areas

Common areas that are not properly maintained, uneven sidewalks, dim lighting in stairwells, and lack of cleanup of debris from maintenance work in apartment complexes can all cause serious slip and fall accidents. Property managers and landlords are responsible for keeping these areas safe for their tenants and other visitors. When they don’t, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.

When property owners fail to keep their premises safe, they should be held accountable for their actions.

4. Hotels and Resorts

Hotels, resorts, and other businesses that provide accommodations should always prioritize guest and employee safety. However, the reality is that these establishments can contain many hazards that can contribute to injurious falls, such as cluttered lobbies and slippery pool decks.

Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?

Determining liability for a slip and fall accident can be complex. In Texas, property owners and managers are required by law to keep their premises safe for tenants and visitors. If they fail to address known hazards, they could be held accountable under premises liability law.

To prove liability after an accident, you must be able to show the following:

• The property owner or manager was aware (or should have been aware) of the hazardous condition.
• The owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to fix the issue or provide sufficient warning to residents and visitors.
• The hazardous condition directly caused your injuries.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we help injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, call (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 now for a free and confidential slip and fall case review.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident in Houston

It’s important to take the proper steps after a slip and fall accident to protect your health and rights and set the stage for a successful personal injury claim if you choose to file one. Here’s what to do:

• Get Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor to ensure your well-being and document your condition.
• Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager and request a written report of what happened.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the hazard that caused the accident, any visible injuries you sustained, and anything else that may support your claim.
• Collect Witness Statements: If there were others who witnessed your fall, make sure to get their contact information and a brief statement.
• Avoid Speaking to Insurers: The insurance companies may try to downplay your claim or shift the blame to you, so don’t talk to them until you’ve consulted an attorney.
• Contact a Houston Slip and Fall Lawyer: Your legal professional will be able to guide you through the legal process, handle negotiations with insurers, and defend your rights.

A slip and fall accident can change your life in an instant. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve — contact a skilled lawyer today to discuss your options.

Compensation for Slip and Fall Victims

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the following losses:

• Medical expenses like hospital stays, doctor appointments, physical and occupational therapy, and prescription medications
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
• Disability or long-term care costs (if needed)
• Pain and suffering.

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which prevents you from receiving compensation if you’re 51% or more responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. However, you may still be eligible to recover damages if your degree of fault is less than that.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases in Texas

It’s important to act quickly after sustaining a compensable injury. Texas has a strict statute of limitations on personal injury cases, including slip and fall claims.

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim. If you fail to do so in that period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. (*However, always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)

That said, certain exceptions may extend or shorten this deadline:

• When the injured party is under 18 years of age or mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until they turn 18 or have legal capacity.
• In rare cases when injuries aren’t immediately apparent, the two-year period could begin from the date the injury was discovered.

Two years may seem like lots of time, but swift action is vital. Delays can make it significantly harder to gather the evidence you need, locate witnesses, and build a strong case. Additionally, insurance companies could attempt to use delays against you, arguing that your injuries weren’t severe because you waited so long to start your claim.

You can’t afford to risk missing deadlines. Contact a Houston slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your case is handled appropriately within the legal time frame required.

Why Choose Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law?

With decades of experience advocating for Houston injury victims, the attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law understand the challenges involved with premises liability claims. We handle all kinds of slip and fall accident cases with dedication and compassion, ensuring that our clients get the legal support they need to recover.

Don’t let someone else’s negligence leave you struggling. Call our team now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation to begin working toward the compensation you deserve.