San Antonio Slip and Fall Attorneys

Fighting for Slip and Fall Victims in Bexar County

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from a grocery store to a friend’s house. The sudden nature of a slip and fall accident can often leave the victim feeling shaken and confused about what to do next. They are also deceptively dangerous and can cause serious, life-altering injuries. 

If you were recently injured in a slip and fall that was the result of unsafe property conditions, do not wait to get legal advice. Our attorneys at The Packard Law Firm have many years of experience fighting for personal injury victims and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. We understand what you are going through and are ready to help get you the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Our team can walk you through your rights and legal options after a slip and fall! Schedule a free consultation by calling (210) 972-8918 or contacting us online.

What Are the Most Common Reasons People Slip and Fall?

Premises liability laws require property owners to take reasonable measures to keep their visitors safe. When property owners fail to take these reasonable steps, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Many slips and falls are the result of:

• Poorly maintained surfaces. Cracked sidewalks and slippery floors can both lead to slips and falls.
• Uneven surfaces. This can include anything from a raised sidewalk to a hole in the ground.
• Wet floors. When an employee mops a floor in a store or business, they need to place clear warning signs near the slick surface. Businesses also have a responsibility to regularly monitor their premises for potential hazards like spills and promptly address them.
• Poor lighting. It can be difficult to see potential hazards when lighting is poor, which increases the risk of falling. Private property owners and public entities alike have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are well-lit to avoid accidents.
• Loose carpeting or rugs. Homeowners and business owners must reasonably secure rugs or carpeting to help limit the possibility of accidents. 
• Defective stairs. Defective stairs can be caused by various factors, including loose handrails, missing treads, or uneven steps. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their stairs are in reasonably good condition and free of hazards.
• Hidden obstacles in walkways. This type of danger is especially common in stores where merchandise is not properly stored or displayed. Business owners are responsible for keeping their premises free of hazards, which includes ensuring that walkways are clear. 

Where Do Slips and Falls Typically Occur?

These accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone. Commuting to work, running errands, or simply taking a walk are all activities that can result in a slip and fall accident, especially if you encounter a safety hazard that a property owner failed to address or warn you about.

Someone can suffer injuries in slip and fall accidents in a wide range of locations, including:

• Sidewalks
• Parking lots
• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Restaurants
• Sports facilities
• Theaters
• Hospitals
• The San Antonio River Walk

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

You may be surprised to learn how many different types of injuries can result from slip and fall accidents. Many people associate these incidents with simple cuts and bruises, but the unfortunate reality is that many types of life-changing harm can occur.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Brain injuries. One of the most serious types of injuries that can result from a slip and fall accident is a brain injury. Your head can hit the ground, pavement, or something else with significant force. This can cause your brain to bleed or swell, potentially leading to serious complications.
• Broken bones. You can easily land in an awkward position that can cause one or more bones to snap.
• Spinal cord injuries. You can suffer spinal cord injuries if you land the wrong way or if your spinal cord strikes a sharp or hard object.
• Strains and sprains. While not as serious as some of the other injuries on this list, strains and sprains are still common in slip and fall accidents. The impact of a fall can damage your muscles, ligaments, or tendons. 

Many of these types of injuries can lead to significant medical bills as well as lost wages if you are unable to return to work. In some cases, the injuries may even be permanent, resulting in a need for lifelong care.

A life-changing injury caused by negligence should result in compensation that covers your long-term needs. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a safety hazard, discuss your case with our firm’s San Antonio slip and fall attorneys today. 

Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries in Texas

When you file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party responsible for your slip and fall injuries, you can seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses you suffered due to your injuries, while non-economic damages are more subjective and aim to compensate for intangible losses. 

When representing you in a personal injury case, our team at The Packard Law Firm can fight to get you maximum compensation for all damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage (such as a broken phone, purse, or watch)
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

If your slip and fall was work-related, you may only be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and some of your lost income, but they do not cover non-economic damages. 

How Do Texas Courts Decide If a Person Was Negligent in a Slip and Fall Case?

A property owner’s negligence in a slip and fall accident will generally be based on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and whether the property owner took reasonable steps to fix the condition or warn people about it. Proving this can be complicated, which is why having the support of a lawyer experienced in premises liability law can be critical to the success of your case. We understand how to establish negligence and can work tirelessly to gather the necessary evidence to build a strong claim.

If you may have been partially to blame for your slip and fall accident, you may still be able to recover some compensation. In a modified contributory negligence state like Texas, if the plaintiff (the person injured) is 51% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover any damages from the defendant. So, if a court finds that the plaintiff is 51% at fault, the plaintiff would not be able to pursue compensation. If the court finds that the plaintiff is 49% or less at fault, however, the plaintiff could still recover damages. In these scenarios, the amount the plaintiff recovers would be reduced by their percentage of fault. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in San Antonio, TX?

Slip and fall lawsuits are subject to the state's statute of limitations. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the slip and fall to file your personal injury claim. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover compensation. Discussing your case with our San Antonio slip and fall lawyers sooner rather than later gives us more opportunities to investigate, interview witnesses, and preserve evidence, so do not wait to reach out. 

Note that if your slip and fall was work-related and your employer subscribes to the state’s workers’ compensation system, you only have 30 days to report your injuries to your employer. Then, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a workers’ compensation claim.