When you visit another person’s home or a private business, the property owner must ensure you do not face any foreseeable safety risks while on their property. The premises liability laws of Texas are clear in the expectations for all property owners in the state. When a property owner notices any potential safety concern on their property, they must address it immediately. This may include fixing the problem, posting a visible sign or notice warning visitors of the hazard, or providing visitors with clear verbal warnings as they enter the property.
When property owners fail in these responsibilities and lawful guests, visitors, businesspeople, or customers sustain injuries, property owners are liable for the resulting damages. “Slip and fall” injuries may sound minor, but the reality is that these incidents are responsible for a tremendous number of personal injury claims, workers’ compensation claims, and economic damages throughout the Houston, TX, area each year.
If you or a loved one recently suffered a fall on someone else’s property, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim under Texas’ premises liability laws. A premises liability claim against the property owner could help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. A Houston fall injury attorney will be an essential asset as you work toward your recovery.
The average person with no formal legal training would likely struggle to succeed with any type of personal injury claim on their own. The civil court imposes many strict procedural requirements that most people would not be able to meet unassisted. It’s also possible for the claimant to succeed but unintentionally settle for less compensation than they legally deserve. Working with an experienced Houston fall injury attorney not only increases your overall chance of success with your claim, but your attorney is likely to reveal channels of compensation you would have overlooked on your own.
The right attorney can potentially mean the difference between securing a favorable recovery and failing to obtain any compensation. Stevenson & Murray has years of experience representing Houston area clients in a wide range of personal injury claims. We know the stress and uncertainty that often follow all types of personal injuries, and our goal is to help you approach your legal proceedings with peace of mind and confidence. Instead of trying to manage all of your case proceedings unassisted while recovering from a painful fall injury, we can handle your legal affairs while you focus on recovery.
Texas law maintains that property owners have a legal duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm to lawful visitors of their properties. The distinction between a “lawful” visitor and an unlawful one is essential; property owners have no duty of care to prevent injuries to trespassers. If an intruder or trespasser sustains an injury on property they did not have permission to enter, they have no grounds for civil action against the property owner.
Property owners must address foreseeable safety issues that pose threats to lawful guests invited to the property for personal reasons and invitees that have implied permission to enter the property, such as mail carriers and utility workers. Falls can happen in many ways, from damaged staircases and loose floorboards to unmarked wet floors and damaged lighting.
It is also possible for fall injuries to occur in the workplace. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall at work, you might have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance. However, if your employer does not have this coverage or your fall injury resulted from a third party’s misconduct, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for your fall injury at work.
A Houston fall injury attorney can help you determine liability for your recent accident. Once you identify the party responsible for your fall, you can hold them accountable for your damages. The personal injury laws of Texas allow a plaintiff to seek compensation for all damages caused by a defendant’s actions. You could potentially recover:
Many fall injury victims initially undervalue their claims, not realizing the full scope of their claimable damages until they have reliable legal counsel advising them. The first step in securing the compensation you need for a fall injury is determining who is responsible for causing the injury. If you believe you have grounds for a fall injury claim in Houston, TX, it’s vital to secure legal representation you can trust as soon as possible for the best chance of maximizing your recovery.
Stevenson & Murray have extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims on behalf of clients in Houston, TX. You probably have lots of questions about your case and what to expect as it unfolds, and we can provide the guidance and reassurance you need in this demanding situation. If you are ready to explore your options for legal recourse for a fall injury, contact Stevenson & Murray today to schedule your consultation with a Houston fall injury attorney.
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