KATY, TX SLIP & FALL LAWYER
HELPING FALL INJURY CLIENTS SEEK COMPENSATION
While slips and falls are often played for laughs in fiction, there’s nothing funny about a fall injury in real life. As one of the most common causes of severe injuries among U.S. adults – especially senior citizens – falls can have lifelong consequences. If you have fallen on someone else’s property and are worried about how that fall has already impacted your life and will affect your finances, you should speak with an experienced Katy slip and fall lawyer for guidance.
The Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC can offer the legal support you require during this difficult time. Our experienced slip-and-fall lawyer in Katy has the knowledge and skill to help you pursue the maximum possible recovery for what happened to you.
Suppose someone else’s property was in a dangerous condition or someone negligently caused you to fall because of an activity that made your fall occur. In that case, you can hold them accountable, whether they’re a public or private entity.
For more information, call (713) 987-7107 and request a free consultation with the dedicated Katy personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Shane McClelland.
What Qualifies as a Slip & Fall Accident?
In Texas, a slip-and-fall accident – called a premise liability case – occurs in two situations. The first is if the premise has a defect. That means an individual falls because the premise’s condition posed an unreasonable risk of harm, and the owner or occupier knew or should have known of the danger but failed to warn of the danger or failed to make the condition safe. The second situation is called negligent activity premise liability. That occurs when the negligent activity of the owner, occupier, or someone under their control causes the individual to fall and become injured. These accidents happen in stores, restaurants, public spaces, sidewalks, and private residences.
To qualify as a slip-and-fall accident for which you can hold another responsible, include, for example:
Hazardous Conditions – A Premise Defect
A premise defect is a hazardous condition on the premises that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to individuals. The owner or occupier knew or reasonably should have known about the hazardous condition but failed to warn the individual or repair or make the condition safe for the individual. The individual who slips and falls suffers damage because of the hazardous condition. Hazardous conditions may include, but are not limited to:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Broken stairs
- Poorly maintained walkways
- Spilled liquids
- Ice or snow accumulation
- Inadequate lighting
Property Owner’s Negligence or Negligent Activity
Another avenue for recovery from a slip-and-fall accident is when the negligent activity of an owner, occupier, or person under their control causes the individual to fall and suffer injuries.
Causation
The hazardous condition or negligent activity must be responsible for causing the slip-and-fall and the individual’s damages. If there is another significant contributing factor, such as the individual’s careless behavior, the property owner’s liability might be reduced or eliminated.
Injury or Damage
The slip-and-fall accident must have resulted in some form of injury or damage. These damages include broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries. If the conditions listed above are satisfied, then an individual can hold the negligent property owner, occupier, or person who caused the dangerous condition or performed the negligent activity responsible for injuries that result from their negligence.
Not all slip-and-fall accidents automatically lead to liability claims or legal action. Each case’s outcome depends on factors such as the extent of negligence, the individual’s activities, and the extent of injuries. If you or someone you know has been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, you should seek legal advice from a qualified Katy slip-and-fall attorney to determine the viability of a potential claim.
When Are Property Owners Responsible for Fall Injuries?
Property owners owe a duty of care to those they invite onto their properties or where the property is open to the public for people to conduct business. If you were a guest at a social gathering or conducted business on someone else’s property when the accident occurred, the property owner may have breached the duty of care it owed to you while you were on their property.
Common causes of slip-and-fall accidents on any property include these:
- Wet floors without proper warning signage
- Presence of snow or ice
- Uneven pavement
- Loose or broken handrailing
- Lack of sufficient lighting
- Potholes
- Improperly or dangerously constructed floors or stairs
Even trespassers are owed a duty of care. Any landowner who creates conditions purposely designed to harm trespassers may be liable for any injuries a trespasser sustains; if the trespasser is a minor, then the landowner may be liable under any circumstance.
Helping Our Clients Recover Compensation
Slip-and-fall injuries can happen anywhere, including in stores, someone else’s home, on the sidewalk, offices, or other businesses. They can also occur in public places such as parks, playgrounds, or sporting venues. The cost of medical care and lost wages while recovering from a slip and fall can cause serious financial harm.
Our Katy slip-and-fall accident attorney can help you seek the compensation you need after becoming injured from a fall caused by another’s negligence. Shane McClelland offers each potential client a free initial consultation to tell us about their experience and learn more about how our firm can help them pursue compensation. Don’t let a negligent property owner get away with causing you harm – seek justice and fair compensation by contacting us today! Give our Katy slip and fall lawyers a call at (713) 987-7107 or fill out our contact form.
