Conroe Slip-and-Fall Lawyer

Accidents happen, but when a slip-and-fall incident occurs due to the negligence of property owners, the consequences can be life-altering. If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident – primarily if it occurred at a business or on private property – you could be entitled to compensation. The Conroe slip-and-fall lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can evaluate your case and help you decide how to proceed. Our team of skilled slip-and-fall lawyers is here to offer the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time.

Texas Premises Liability Law

Slip-and-fall accidents typically fall under the umbrella of Texas premises liability law.

Texas premises liability law details the responsibility of property owners or occupiers for injuries that occur on their premises. This area of law holds property owners accountable for maintaining a safe environment for visitors, guests, or customers.

If someone gets hurt on another person’s property due to the owner’s negligence or failure to address hazards, the injured party may have the right to seek compensation.

Key aspects of Texas premises liability law include the following:

• Duty of care: Property owners owe a duty of care to individuals who enter their premises. The level of care may vary depending on whether the person is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
• Invitee: Someone who is invited onto the property for a business purpose or the property owner’s benefit.
• Licensee: Someone who enters the property with permission, but for their own purposes (e.g., social guests).
• Trespasser: Someone who enters the property without permission.
• Negligence: To establish a claim, the injured party must prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the premises. This negligence could involve failure to address hazards, inadequate maintenance, or lack of warning about potential dangers.
• Conditions leading to liability: Common conditions that may lead to premises liability claims include slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate security, defective stairs or railings, falling objects, and other unsafe conditions.
• Notice: Property owners may be responsible if they knew or should have known about a hazardous condition but failed to address it.
• Comparative negligence: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if the injured party is found partially at fault for their injuries, their compensation may be reduced. If the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be blocked from recovering damages altogether.

Types of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in numerous environments and situations. The following are some of the most common types:

• Wet or slippery surfaces: A spill of liquids or other substances on floors, sidewalks, or other walking surfaces can create slippery conditions. Outdoor areas can also become hazardous due to rain, ice, snow, or other weather-related factors.
• Uneven or damaged surfaces: Changes in elevation, such as uneven flooring, thresholds, or broken tiles, can lead to tripping hazards. Uneven pavement, potholes, or cracks in sidewalks or parking lots can also contribute to falls.
• Lack of warning signs: Property owners are responsible for warning individuals about potential hazards. Failure to provide warning signs for wet floors and other risks can lead to accidents.
• Inadequate lighting: Insufficient lighting in stairwells, hallways, parking lots, or other areas can make it difficult for people to see potential hazards.
• Defective stairs or railings: Stairs with missing handrails, broken steps, or uneven risers can pose serious risks. Inadequate or missing railings on stairs or elevated platforms can also contribute to falls.
• Cluttered walkways: Cluttered walkways, debris, or obstacles in common areas can increase the likelihood of trips and falls.
• Improperly maintained facilities: Failure to maintain premises, including neglecting routine repairs and upkeep, can lead to accidents.
• Negligent security: In some cases, slip-and-fall accidents may occur due to inadequate security measures, leading to assaults or criminal activities on the premises.
• Construction or renovation zones: Lack of proper barricades or warnings in construction or renovation zones can lead to accidents.

What to Do after a Slip-and-Fall Accident

Suppose you’ve been involved in a slip-and-fall accident at a place of business or on private property. In that case, you must take specific steps to protect yourself from further injury, get the care you need, and increase your chances of winning your case if you decide to take legal action.

Here’s a general guide on what to do after a slip-and-fall accident:

Seek Medical Attention

Prioritize your health. If you’re injured, seek immediate medical attention. Your well-being is the top priority, and documenting your injuries is crucial for any potential legal claims.

Report the Incident

Inform the property owner, manager, or whoever is in charge about the accident. Make sure the incident is documented correctly. If the accident occurs in a commercial establishment, request a copy of the incident report.

Document the Scene

Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including the hazard that caused your fall. Capture any relevant details, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage.

Identify Witnesses

Obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements may be valuable in supporting your version of events.

Preserve Evidence

Keep the clothing and footwear you were wearing at the time of the accident as potential evidence. This can help establish the conditions at the time of the fall.

Obtain Surveillance Footage

If the accident occurred in a public place or a business establishment, inquire about the availability of surveillance footage. Such footage can provide additional evidence.

Note Conditions and Details

Write down details about the conditions leading to the accident, such as the time, date, and weather conditions. Include any factors that may have contributed to the incident.

Do Not Admit Fault

Don’t say anything that might sound like an admission of fault to the property owner, manager, or anyone else at the scene.

Keep Track of Medical Records

Keep a record of all medical treatments, doctor visits, and prescriptions related to your injuries. This documentation will be crucial in establishing the extent of your injuries and associated costs.

Consult with an Attorney

If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim, consult with an attorney experienced in premises liability cases. They can help you assess the strength of your case, navigate legal processes, and provide guidance on the best course of action.

If you need help choosing lawyers to assist with your case, check out their online testimonials and reviews. You can also look up the results of their cases to see what kinds of outcomes they have secured for their clients.

When to Hire a Conroe Slip-and-Fall Lawyer

It’s not always clear when you should or shouldn’t hire a Conroe slip-and-fall lawyer. Here are some examples of situations when it’s a good idea:

• Serious injuries: If you’ve sustained severe injuries that require medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or rehabilitation, it’s advisable to consult with a slip-and-fall lawyer. They can help you assess the value of your claim and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
• Long-term or permanent injuries: If the slip-and-fall accident results in long-term or permanent injuries, it becomes crucial to have legal representation. A lawyer can help you account for future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and other ongoing costs.
• Disputed liability: If there is a dispute over liability, and the property owner or their insurance company denies responsibility for the accident, hiring a lawyer can be essential. A legal professional can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to establish liability.
• Complex legal issues: If the legal aspects of your case are complex or involve multiple parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, or third parties, a slip-and-fall lawyer with experience in premises liability can navigate the complexities of your case.
• Inadequate compensation offers: If the property owner’s insurance company offers a settlement that you believe is insufficient to cover your losses and damages, consulting with a lawyer is advisable. They can negotiate on your behalf and pursue fair and just compensation.
• Negligence or code violations: If the slip-and-fall was caused by the property owner’s negligence or failure to adhere to safety codes and regulations, a lawyer can help you pursue a claim based on these violations.
• Statute of limitations approaching: Personal injury claims, including slip-and-fall cases, are subject to statutes of limitations, which set a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Here in Texas, you typically have two years from the date of the injury. (*However, always speak directly with an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)
• Insurance disputes: If there are disputes with insurance companies, including issues related to coverage, policy limits, or delays in processing your claim, a lawyer can advocate for your rights and handle negotiations.
• Emotional distress or pain and suffering: If the slip-and-fall has caused significant emotional distress or pain and suffering, a lawyer can help you evaluate and quantify these noneconomic damages as part of your compensation claim.
• Expert witnesses needed: In cases where expert witnesses, such as engineers or safety professionals, may be required to establish liability or assess the conditions that led to the accident, a lawyer can coordinate their involvement.

When in doubt, seek out our Conroe slip-and-fall lawyers. They can review your case and help you decide whether and how you should proceed.

Partner with Experienced Slip-and-Fall Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Conroe or surrounding areas, our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is here to help. Contact us today through our online form or call us at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for your free and confidential case review.