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Most minor slip and falls are no cause for concern, but some accidents can cause life-threatening or fatal injuries. Property owners are responsible for keeping their visitors safe, so a slippery floor or loose step that leads to an injury could warrant an injury claim.
If you suffered harm in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. An Atascocita slip and fall lawyer can help you learn more about your legal rights and options. Additionally, one of our determined personal injury attorneys can represent you in settlement negotiations with the at-fault party.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
A serious fall can put a great deal of stress on your body. Depending on the circumstances, a slip and fall can even cause catastrophic injuries. For example, seniors are much more likely to suffer severe injuries in a fall than teenagers. Some of the most common falling injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Severe hip injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Severe head trauma
In severe cases, the impact of a fall can cause life-long consequences. For instance, a neck injury may lead to permanent paralysis. Regardless of the specific type of injury you suffered, you should consider contacting an experienced attorney in the area for help with your slip and fall claim.
Negligence in Slipping Accident Claims
To collect damages in a slip and fall case, you will have to show that the property owner or manager owed you a duty of care and failed to maintain a safe environment. For example, if you slipped in a puddle of water that had been on the floor of a grocery store for hours with no caution sign, the shop owner could be liable for the resulting harm. However, if another customer spilled their drink on the floor, and you immediately fell, the owner could argue that they were not negligent, as they had no opportunity to respond to the risk.
Comparative Negligence
Even in cases where the owner is liable, the defendant may argue that you also bear some fault for your injury. Comparative negligence policy in Texas dictates that if the accident victim is more than 50 percent liable, they cannot recover compensation for their injuries.
If the injured party is 50 percent or less at fault, the court will reduce their damages to reflect their share of liability. In a claim worth $100,000, an injured party who was 10% liable would only receive $90,000 in compensation.
When handling a claim outside of court, the other party may justify a low settlement offer by citing this comparative fault law. An Atascocita lawyer familiar with slip and fall cases can help you defend against allegations of partial fault and fight for fair compensation.
The Statute of Limitations in Atascocita
Many slip and fall cases settle before going to court. However, the threat of litigation is what provides you with leverage in settlement negotiations. Texas maintains a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which means you could lose the opportunity to pursue a lawsuit if you wait too long to file.
Without the threat of a potential lawsuit, the at-fault party has no reason to offer you a settlement. A diligent attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement and file a timely slip and fall lawsuit if necessary.
Work with an Atascocita Slip and Fall Attorney on Your Case
A slip and fall injury can impact every aspect of your life. In addition to physical pain, you may be experiencing financial hardship due to lost work wages. At Haines Law, we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Reach out to our firm today to schedule a consultation with an Atascocita slip and fall lawyer.