At the Nava Law Group, P.C., our Houston, Texas slip and fall accident attorneys know that personal injuries can happen anywhere, anytime, when negligence is a factor in a business or property owner’s operation of their premises.
In Harris County, business owners and employees are required to implement and follow procedures to regularly inspect their premises for risks that may cause injuries to their guests or customers. When the responsible parties act quickly, and clean up spills, or place warnings for any hazardous condition — including wet floors or unlevel walkways — they are helping their customers avoid injury. When they do not take the necessary actions to provide a safe environment, people get hurt — some severely.
Our Houston slip and fall accident lawyers know that when dangerous premises catch victims by surprise, and we want to help those who are injured as a result of negligence hold the reckless party accountable for their actions or in actions by pursuing the best financial outcome available for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions – Slip & Fall Accidents
What are the Most Common Places Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Houston, Texas?
Negligent conditions can lead to slip and fall accident injuries occurring anywhere in Houston.
The most common places where slip and fall accidents can occur in Houston include:
Airports
Apartment complexes
Bars and nightclubs
Construction job sites
Grocery stores
Hotels and resorts
Office and professional buildings
Parking lots and garages
Private homes and properties
Public areas, including swimming pools and restrooms
Restaurants
Retail outlets and strip malls
Shopping malls
Workplaces
The most common circumstances that lead to slip and fall injuries in these locations can include:
Boxes or other supplies left on the floor
Broken pavement on walkways and sidewalks
Broken or missing tiles
Carpet or flooring that is overly worn, torn or ripped
Debris that has fallen onto walkways
Deteriorating stairs
Displays, shelves, or merchandise that protrudes into walkways
Failing to fence or guard a hazard
Failure to warn customers or visitors of known hazards that cannot be fixed immediately
Improperly working escalators and elevators
Improperly secured cords or wires
Inadequate lighting in entryways, stairs, walkways
Irrigation heads aimed at walkways
Rugs or carpets that are not secured
Slick ramps or stairs
Small steps or ramps that have insufficient warnings
Uneven surfaces on sidewalks and in parking lots
Weak, faulty, or missing stair rails
Wet and slippery surfaces, without visible signage
Wet or slippery floors due to spills or cleaning
What are the Most Common Slip and Fall Accident Injuries in Houston, Texas?
The surprise nature of Houston slip and fall accidents leaves little time for the victims to brace for impact, leaving them severely injured as a result.
Some of the most common slip and fall accident injuries can include, but are not limited to:
Back and spinal injuries
Broken bones
Chronic pain
Head injuries
Internal bleeding
Lacerations and scarring
Muscle, ligament, and tendon damage
Neck and back injuries
Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Wrongful death
Any of these injuries can result in overwhelming losses, including:
Medical bills, including current, ongoing, and future treatments
Lost wages, when injuries keep you from working
Lost future earning power when injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
Physical pain and suffering caused by the injury
Emotional trauma from an accident and/or the injuries
Permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement that resulted from the accident
How Do I Know If I Have A Slip and Fall Claim in Houston?
Slip and fall cases are complex and difficult to pursue without an attorney by your side.
Slip and fall cases in Texas require our Houston attorneys to prove:
The responsible party knew or should have known about the dangerous condition
The responsible party failed to fix or warn about the dangerous condition
The dangerous condition caused your injury
To seek compensation for your Houston slip and fall injuries and losses, you must show that another party’s negligence caused your accident and injury, and hiring an experienced Houston slip and fall accident lawyer will allow you to focus on healing while we secure the evidence you need to pursue the property or business owner for their negligent behavior.
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Immediately after a slip and fall, prioritize your safety. Seek medical attention for any injuries. Document the scene by taking photos and collecting names and contact information from witnesses. Report the incident to the property manager or owner, but limit what you say about the accident. Finally, consult with one of our Houston slip and fall lawyers to gain a complete understanding of your rights and learn more about your next steps.
Are Property Owners Automatically Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Not necessarily. To hold a property owner liable in Houston, you must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct it. Establishing negligence is key to your claim. Every situation is unique, so discussing your case with a slip and fall lawyer in Houston, TX is crucial for personalized advice.
Does a Disclaimer or Warning Negate a Property Owner’s Liability?
A visible warning about potential hazards can impact a claim, but it doesn’t automatically negate the property owner’s liability. The effectiveness of disclaimers may vary based on the accident’s specifics and whether the warning was adequate. For tailored legal guidance, reach out to our Houston slip and fall attorneys.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
In Texas, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to compensation. To ensure timely action, contact a slip and fall attorney as soon as you can.
Can I File a Claim for a Slip and Fall Accident That Occurred on Residential Property in Houston?
Yes, homeowners are also liable for maintaining safe premises. If your slip and fall happened on residential property in Houston due to negligence, you might have a valid claim. Discussing the specifics of your case with a slip and fall attorney is advisable for specific guidance.
What Types of Evidence Can Help Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Accident?
Proving negligence in a slip and fall accident hinges on presenting compelling evidence that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment. Key pieces of evidence include:
Inspection Records – These documents can reveal whether the property was regularly checked for potential hazards and if any issues were identified but not remedied.
Safety Violations – Citations or warnings issued to the property owner by local, city, or state officials for safety infractions can strongly support a claim of negligence.
Security Camera Footage – Video evidence of the accident as it happened provides irrefutable proof of the conditions that led to the fall.
Eyewitness Statements – Accounts from people who saw the accident can provide an unbiased perspective on the incident and the conditions that caused it.
Footwear – The shoes you were wearing at the time of the accident could also be critical evidence, especially if a substance contributed to your fall. Preserve your shoes by storing them in a plastic bag and refrain from wearing them again until your case concludes.
What Criteria Needs to Be Met to Win a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Houston?
To win a slip and fall accident claim in Houston, specific criteria must be established. It’s crucial to prove that the property manager or owner had a duty of care towards the victim. Evidence must show that this duty was breached due to negligence, such as failing to address or warn about a hazardous condition on the property. A breach of duty must have directly caused the accident and the victim’s injuries. The victim must have incurred actual damages, such as lost wages or medical expenses, as a result of the accident.
Contact Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Houston, Texas Today
Houston Slip and fall cases require quick action to prevent the negligent party from repairing the damaged premises that led to your accident and caused your injuries. If you are hurt, get the medical care you need immediately, and contact the Nava Law Group, P.C. right away, so we can get started on your case.
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