The Journey with Your Austin Slip & Fall Injury Lawyer

An accident where someone trips falls, or slips on someone else’s property because of dangerous conditions is referred to as a slip-and-fall injury. These accidents can happen indoors or outdoors and may occur in various settings, such as public sidewalks, retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, or private residences. Consulting with an Austin slip & fall injury lawyer that focuses on premises liability law may be helpful in these situations. To make sure the injured party receives just recompense for their losses and injuries, these Austin slip & fall injury lawyers can investigate the accident scene, establish who was at fault, and defend the injured party’s rights.

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors about any known hazards. If someone is injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to the property owner’s negligence or failure to address dangerous conditions, the injured party may have grounds to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

A slip and fall injury can be devastating: fractures, serious injury, injuries that are likely to become serious (like a back or neck injury with radiating pain into the extremities indicative of disc involvement, and even chronic regional pain syndrome also called CRPS or RSD).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, slip and fall incidents are the most common cause of fatal injuries among the elderly. Common causes of slip and fall injuries include:

1. Wet or slippery floors
2. Uneven or damaged flooring
3. Loose carpeting or rugs
4. Spilled liquids or food
5. Icy or snowy walkways
6. Poor lighting
7. Obstructed pathways or cluttered floors
8. Lack of handrails or guardrails on stairs

Here’s a 2019 slip and fall injury trial verdict in Travis County.

How Your Status Affects Legal Protection on Someone’s Property

Your reason for being on a property can impact the level of care the owner owes you. There are three main categories:

• Invitees: Highest duty of care (Inspect premises for dangers and fix or warn about hazards)
• Licensees: Warn about known hazards (Make reasonable efforts to ensure safety)
• Trespassers: No willful harm or gross negligence

Your visitor status can determine the property owner’s level of responsibility if you’re involved in a slip-and-fall incident.

Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Children

When kids are involved in slip and fall accidents, property owners may have a higher responsibility to ensure their safety – even if the child is trespassing. This is due to the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, which holds property owners liable if they fail to secure areas or objects that might attract children, such as swimming pools, playground equipment, or construction sites.

If a child gets hurt in one of these situations, the property owner or manager might be held responsible, especially if they didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent the accident, like installing fences or warning signs. The idea is that kids may not fully understand the dangers, so it’s up to property owners to protect them.

Statute of Limitations for Slip & Fall Claims

If you’re considering a slip and fall claim, knowing legal deadlines is crucial. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply:

• Minors: The deadline may start when they turn 18.
• Mental incapacitation: Additional time may be given.
• Defendant leaves the area: The timeframe may be paused.

Meeting these deadlines is vital, and delaying the filing may prevent you from recovering compensation.

Why Prompt Action Matters After a Slip and Fall

Acting quickly after a slip-and-fall accident is crucial. Here’s why:

• Preserve Evidence: A quick investigation helps document key evidence before it’s gone.
• Find Witnesses: Early action makes it easier to gather accurate statements from witnesses.
• Secure Surveillance Footage: Prompt action can help save vital video evidence.
• Meet Legal Deadlines: Delays can risk your right to seek fair compensation.

Through fast action and professional guidance from an attorney, you can protect your rights and build a stronger case.

What to Share with Your Doctor After a Slip and Fall

When you visit your doctor after a slip and fall, be open about every symptom you’re experiencing, no matter how small it seems. Mention any pain, dizziness, bruising, stiffness, or headaches – even if you’re not sure if it’s related to the fall. Your doctor needs the full story to diagnose and treat you effectively.

Don’t downplay your injuries or leave out details about the accident. Ask your doctor to document everything thoroughly in your records, including how you fell and any surfaces involved. This detailed documentation can be a game-changer if you decide to file a personal injury claim, providing clear evidence of your injuries and treatment.

How Insurance Companies Respond to Slip and Fall Claims

Insurance companies have one goal in mind when you file a slip and fall claim: to pay out as little as possible. They might come at you with a quick settlement offer before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Or, they’ll try to shift the blame to you, saying you weren’t paying attention or wore the wrong shoes. These tactics are common in the industry, and it’s up to you to be prepared.

That’s why it’s crucial to have a seasoned attorney on your side before talking to insurance reps or signing any settlement papers. They’ll help protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. With an experienced lawyer, you can avoid getting taken advantage of and focus on recovering from your injuries.

What Determines the Value of Your Slip and Fall Claim?

The amount you can claim depends on several key factors. Here are some of the main ones:

• Medical bills: You can claim compensation for everything from ER visits to ongoing physical therapy and future medical care.
• Lost income: If your injuries forced you to miss work or take a pay cut, you may be able to claim lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: More severe injuries often mean higher compensation for the physical and emotional toll.
• Other impacts: Scarring, permanent disability, or emotional trauma like anxiety or PTSD can also increase the value of your claim.

Experienced Austin Slip & Fall Injury Lawyers

At the Traub Law Office, P.C., our Austin slip & fall injury lawyers often help clients who have been harmed on another person or business premises. Our first concern is that our client receives appropriate medical treatment. Then we investigate the accident and determine if legal action should be taken.

• Did bad lighting cause your accident? Bad lighting can cause a fall on stairs. Or it may prevent a person from seeing a hole or indentation in a walking surface.
• Were you harmed because of poor security? If a building owner knew of previous assaults on the property and failed to improve the lighting or otherwise protect innocent people, you may have cause to make a premises liability claim for damages.
• Was the property properly maintained? A poorly maintained property is an accident waiting to happen. Stairs that are worn, railings that are falling apart, and trees that are pushing up sidewalks are all potential dangers that can easily be avoided with a simple inspection. In one case, our client suffered a serious injury when she fell on a sidewalk that had been uprooted by a tree growing under it.
• Were warnings adequate? If warning signs were put up, did they adequately put people on notice or was it possible to put better warnings up to prevent injuries? In one case, our client went through a door that led right into a pitch-black room with stairs going down. He fell and was severely injured. A locked door would have prevented his injuries.
• Contact an Austin premises liability attorney. When a building owner knowingly allows a dangerous situation to exist, and when that dangerous situation causes an accident, our Austin slip & fall injury lawyer can help you determine your legal options.

Contact Austin Slip & Fall Injury Lawyer Now!

Speak with Austin slip & fall injury lawyer at the Traub Law Office, P.C. today for a free consultation by phone at (512) 246-9191 or by filling in the contact form.