Slips and falls can cause serious injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, fractures, and painful soft tissue injuries. If your injury happened because the property owner failed to keep their premises in a safe condition, you may have the right to compensation for the harm you have suffered. The Law Office of Edward W. Sampson takes a compassionate and dedicated approach to each case. We rely on over 25 years of legal experience to help us recover the compensation you are due. Contact us or call (214) 617-3223 today for your free consultation.
Most Common Causes of Slips and Falls
Many slip and fall cases occur because the owner or manager of the company does not properly maintain the property and someone is injured as a result. The following make up many of the most common causes of slips and falls:
- Spilled liquids that are not quickly cleaned up
- Broken or uneven pathways
- Wet entryways when rain, sleet, or snow are cleared up
- Loose objects on the floor
- Torn, ripped, or worn carpets or rugs
- Sudden changes in the elevation of different flooring materials
- Loose or broken tiles
- Lack of lighting to spot potential hazards
- Unguarded or unmaintained swimming pools
- Lack of or broken handrails
- Poorly maintained properties
How to Prove Liability for a Slip and Fall Accident
To recover compensation for a slip and fall accident, you must show that the property owner had a duty to keep their property in a safe condition, failed to uphold that duty, and you were injured as a result. The duty that a landowner has to a person depends on their legal status. For example, there is a higher standard assumed for customers of a business than there is for someone who is trespassing on the property. Depending on the legal relationship, the property owner may have the duty to:
- Avoid taking any intentional action to injure visitors on the property
- Warn visitors about hazards they know about on the property
- Correct dangerous conditions on the property
- Regularly inspect the premises for possible hazards and correct them
To establish your claim, your Plano spinal cord injury lawyer will try to gather compelling evidence to support your case, such as:
- Photos from the accident scene
- Surveillance footage
- Property records
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
What to Do If You Are Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident
If you were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, there are steps you can take to protect your health and legal claim, including:
- Report the accident – Report the accident to the manager of the property to ensure there is a record of the incident.
- Call 911 – If you are injured, call 911 for help. An ambulance can be sent to transport you to an emergency room, and paramedics can help stabilize you.
- Document the accident scene – Take pictures of the accident scene and note the presence of any surveillance cameras. If you are unable to do this yourself, ask someone nearby to take the pictures for you.
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Follow all of your doctor’s orders, including restrictions on work and other activities.
- Talk to a lawyer – A Plano personal injury lawyer can advise you on your rights and the next steps in the process.
Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident Injury
Texas law allows you to recover compensation for the losses you suffer, which may include:
- Past medical expenses and future anticipated medical treatment
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Loss of household services
- Home modifications to accommodate your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering and emotional trauma
- Modifications of the home
A skilled Plano catastrophic injury attorney can review your claim and determine what compensation may be available.
Contact Our Plano Slip and Fall Attorney for Help
If you slipped and fell because of the property owner’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. The Law Office of Edward W. Sampson can help you demand it. Contact us today or call (214) 617-3223 for a free case review.