Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyer For Slip-And-Fall Victims In Texas

Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in various settings, from retail stores to private properties. While many believe the property owner is automatically at fault, these cases are complex and require a thorough investigation. Understanding your rights and the legal process can be daunting, but with proper legal guidance, you can effectively navigate the aftermath of a slip-and-fall accident.

Slip-And-Fall Accidents: What You Need To Know

As a seasoned accident lawyer, Trent Devenzio, the lead attorney at Branick & Devenzio, understands the physical pain and financial burden that come with these injuries. He personally handles each slip-and-fall claim that comes through the firm’s doors. Trent serves communities in Nederland and the Beaumont metropolitan area with a simple promise: he will fight for the compensation victims deserve as they focus on healing.

Below are answers to questions he commonly receives from clients seeking help. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, these responses may help clarify your next steps.

What steps should I take immediately after a slip-and-fall accident?

The moments following a slip and fall accident are crucial for both your health and any future personal injury claims. Taking these important steps can help you protect yourself both physically and legally:

1. Seek medical attention right away: Some fall injuries, such as concussions and internal damage, might not show symptoms immediately. Medical records create an official document linking them to the accident.
2. Report the incident to the property owner or manager: This establishes the property owner’s responsibility and creates an official record of when and where the incident occurred.
3. Document everything about the scene: Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, your injuries and the surrounding area. If there are any witnesses, kindly ask for their contact information.
4. Contact a trusted personal injury attorney: A knowledgeable lawyer can help you prevent costly mistakes in the critical early stages of your case.

Reach out to attorney Trent’s office today to determine if negligence contributed to your accident and resulting injuries.

How is liability determined in slip-and-fall cases?

For a successful personal injury claim, your case must demonstrate the following factors:

• The incident occurred on someone else’s property.
• The property owner or manager had a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for visitors. This responsibility varies depending on whether you were a customer or a guest.
• A dangerous situation existed, such as a wet floor, broken step, poor lighting or other unsafe features.
• The property owner either caused the danger, knew about it or should have found it during regular property checks.
• Your fall and the injuries you sustained must have been the result of the unsafe condition and not by other causes.
• Your injuries led to medical expenses, lost income, physical pain or other quantifiable damages.

Factors like warning signs, your own awareness or whether you were in an area where visitors are permitted can influence your claim. Attorney Trent thoroughly investigates each aspect to build a robust case for your injury claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip-And-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents happen in an instant, but the aftermath can last for a long time. Below are answers to some of the most common questions people have after being injured on someone else’s property:

What are common causes of slip-and-fall accidents?

Slips and falls can happen just about anywhere, but they’re generally linked to dangerous property conditions. Common causes include wet or recently waxed tile floors, spilled liquids, uneven flooring, loose carpet tiles or snags in carpets, poor lighting in stairwells or on walkways, broken stairs, missing handrails, broken concrete in parking lots and seasonal hazards like accumulated ice and snow.

Identifying the cause of a slip-and-fall accident is important because it helps establish whether the property owner or manager was negligent and, therefore, responsible for someone’s injuries. In many cases, property owners either knew or should have known about the hazard that caused someone to fall and failed to take corrective action.

How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims – including those involving slips and falls – is two years from the date of the accident. That means that you must file a lawsuit within that time or you will lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.

What should I avoid doing after a slip-and-fall accident to protect my claim?

While it is always important to seek immediate medical care after a slip and fall, knowing what you should not do is the best way to protect your future injury claim. With that in mind: Avoid assuming blame or minimizing your injuries. Do not say things like, “I am so clumsy!” or “I just hurt my pride!” because those kinds of statements can be used against you later. Do not post about the incident on social media. Do not discuss the accident with the property owner or their insurer. Do not agree to give recorded statements.

Each of these missteps can ultimately weaken your case and reduce the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Trust A Dedicated Premises Liability Attorney With Your Case

Do not let insurance companies minimize your slip-and-fall injuries while medical bills pile up. Call 409-403-1370 today or complete this online form to kickstart your journey toward recovery.