San Antonio Slip and Fall Lawyers Being a Stable Force for Our Injured Customers
It is an unfortunate reality that every year, people are injured in accidents that could have been prevented. Many of these accidents happen as the result of someone else’s negligence, and when they do, the victims often have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer from San Antonio as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.
Slip and fall accidents have become increasingly common in recent years as more and more people are spending time in public places. These 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.
The attorneys at Packard Law Firm have years of experience representing clients who have been injured in all types of accidents. We understand how difficult it can be to recover from an accident, and we are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Whether your case goes to trial or is settled out of court, we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.
If you would like more information about our firm or would like to schedule a free consultation, please call us today at (210) 899-6142. We look forward to hearing from you!
What Are the Most Common Reasons People Slip and Fall?
Commuting to work, running errands, or simply taking a walk are all activities that can result in a slip and fall accident. These accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone.
Slip and fall accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:
Poorly Maintained Surfaces
Whether it’s a cracked sidewalk or a slippery floor, poorly maintained surfaces are one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces are another common cause of slip and fall accidents. This can include anything from a raised sidewalk to a hole in the ground. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when walking, especially in unfamiliar areas, to avoid tripping and falling.
Wet Floors
Wet floors are one of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents in stores and businesses. When mopping a floor, it’s important to put up signs to warn people of the potential hazard. If a business fails to do this, it could be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting reduces visibility and happens in public areas. It can be difficult to see potential hazards when lighting is poor, which increases the risk of falling. Private property owners and public entities are liable for ensuring that their premises are well-lit to avoid accidents.
Loose Carpeting or Rugs
Loose carpeting or rugs can cause people to trip and fall. Homeowners and business owners should ensure that all flooring is properly secured to avoid accidents. Premises liability laws require property owners to take reasonable measures to keep their visitors safe.
Defective Stairs
Staircases are common areas for slip and fall accidents. 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 good repair and free of hazards.
Icy or Snow-Covered Walkways
In areas where snow and ice are common in the winter, slip and fall accidents also happen more frequently. Property owners are responsible for taking reasonable measures to keep their walkways clear of ice and snow. This includes shoveling sidewalks and using salt or sand to melt ice.
Hidden Obstacles in Walkways
Objects in the walkway can also cause people to trip and fall. This 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.
Any of the above causes can be the basis for a slip and fall accident claim. To win your case, you will need to prove that the property owner was negligent in their duty to keep visitors safe. A personal injury attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.
Which Types of Injuries Are Commonly Associated With Slip and Fall Accidents?
You would be surprised to know how many different types of injuries can occur from slip and fall accidents. When most people think of these accidents, they assume that the only type of injuries that can result are bruises or cuts. Many different types of injuries can occur, some of which are very serious. Here is a list of some of the most common injuries associated with slip and fall accidents:
- Brain Injuries – One of the most serious types of injuries that can result from a slip and fall accident is a brain injury. This is because when you fall, your head can hit the ground, pavement, or something else very hard. This can cause your brain to bleed or swell, leading to serious complications.
- Broken Bones – Another common injury associated with slip and fall accidents is broken bones. This is because when you fall, you can land in an awkward position, which can cause your bones to snap.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Another serious type of injury that can occur from a slip and fall accident is a spinal cord injury. This is because when you fall, your spine can be damaged, leading to paralysis. Severe back pain is also a common symptom of this type of injury.
- 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. This is because when you fall, you can damage your muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
These types of injuries can often lead to significant medical bills, as well as lost wages, if the victim is 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 should result in compensation that covers your long-term needs. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at our firm today to discuss your case.
How Do Courts Decide if a Person Was Negligent in a Slip and Fall Case?
There are two types of negligence cases in Texas: contributory negligence and comparative negligence.
Contributory Negligence
In a modified contributory negligence state like Texas, if the plaintiff (the person injured) is 51% at fault for the accident, he or she 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, the plaintiff could still recover damages. This can make it very difficult to win a slip and fall case in Texas because it can be hard to prove that the property owner was more negligent than the plaintiff.
Comparative Negligence
In a comparative negligence state, the court will assign a percentage of fault to both the plaintiff and the defendant. For example, if the court finds that the plaintiff is 40% at fault for the accident and the defendant is 60% at fault, the plaintiff can still recover damages from the defendant. However, any damages that the plaintiff does recover will be reduced by his or her percentage of fault.
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.
A slip and fall case can be complicated, and having the support of a lawyer experienced in personal injury law can be critical to the success of your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Call Our San Antonio Slip and Fall Lawyers Today!
There are many benefits of hiring a lawyer if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident. First, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and what options are available to you. Second, a lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your claim and build a strong case. Third, a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get the best possible settlement. Finally, a lawyer can represent you in court if necessary.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact Packard Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyers. We will review your case and explain your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. We are available at (210) 899-6142 to take your call.