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Experienced Legal Advocacy for Westchase Slip and Fall Victims
A sudden fall can change your life in an instant. Whether you were shopping at a local center in Westchase or visiting a business along the Sam Houston Tollway, property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, the resulting injuries can be devastating. If you’ve been hurt, speaking with a Houston Slip and Fall Lawyer is an important first step in protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
In the Westchase District of Houston, we help individuals who have suffered injuries due to negligence. Our team understands the local landscape and the specific challenges that come with premises liability cases in Texas. We are dedicated to providing clear, honest legal guidance during a difficult time.
Common Causes and Injuries in Westchase Slip and Fall Cases
Slip and fall accidents often occur because of preventable hazards. Property owners and managers frequently overlook maintenance, leading to dangerous conditions for visitors. Common causes include:
- Wet or slick floors without proper warning signs
- Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks
- Poorly lit parking lots or stairwells
- Loose floor mats or torn carpeting
- Debris or liquid spills in grocery store aisles
- Missing or broken handrails on stairs
These hazards can lead to serious physical consequences. Many of our clients deal with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, and severe soft tissue injuries that require long-term rehabilitation.
What to Do Immediately After a Fall
The steps you take in the minutes and days following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover damages. If you are able, follow these steps:
- Report the incident: Notify the property owner or manager immediately. Ensure they create an official incident report and ask for a copy.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, the surrounding area, and your injuries.
- Identify witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident occur.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries like concussions or internal bruising may not be immediately apparent.
- Consult an attorney: Before speaking with insurance adjusters, contact a legal professional to discuss your options.
How Liability Works in Texas Premises Liability Law
In Texas, proving fault in a slip and fall case requires showing that the property owner knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you about it. This is known as “actual or constructive knowledge.” Liability is not automatic just because an injury happened on someone else’s property; we must demonstrate that the owner’s negligence was the direct cause of your injuries.
It is also important to note that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your fall, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may be barred from recovering any damages at all. This is why having a skilled advocate is vital to ensure the facts are presented accurately.
Damages You May Recover
While every case is unique, victims of slip and fall accidents in Westchase may be eligible to recover compensation for various losses. These generally fall into two categories:
- Economic Damages: These include quantifiable costs such as medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These cover less tangible losses such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The Process and Timeline of a Claim
The legal process typically begins with a thorough investigation. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records. From there, we usually attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation.
The timeline for a slip and fall case can vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the evidence and the severity of your injuries. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, so it is important to act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a slip and fall lawyer?
Most personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
What if the fall happened at a private residence?
Premises liability laws apply to private homes as well as businesses. If you were an invited guest and were injured due to a hazard the homeowner failed to address, you may have a claim through their homeowner’s insurance.
Do I still have a case if there was a ‘Wet Floor’ sign?
A warning sign can make a case more challenging, but it does not automatically disqualify you. We would need to investigate if the sign was placed prominently enough or if other factors contributed to the danger.
Contact a Westchase Slip and Fall Attorney Today
You do not have to face the insurance companies alone. At Nguyen Injury Law, we are committed to helping our neighbors in Westchase and throughout Houston navigate the complexities of the legal system. We offer a free consultation to review the details of your accident and explain your legal options.
Take the first step toward recovery today. Call us at (713) 747-7777 or visit our contact page to schedule your free case evaluation.