Slip and fall accidents refer to accidents that may warrant compensation under the premises liability category of personal injury law. Depending on the circumstances and whether an injury occurs, one might be eligible to sue for legal compensation if they fall on another’s premises due to hazardous conditions. Though not entirely the same thing, the term ‘slip and fall’ is often used interchangeably with terms such as trip and fall, stump and fall, and step and fall. Each category denotes a specific type of occurrence that can lead to injury.
These types of accidents may occur as a result of objects blocking one’s path for walking, slippery surfaces, unlevel flooring, and other dangerous property conditions. Property owners are responsible for maintaining hazard free premises, particularly in areas that are open to visitors. If an owner is aware of any dangers on their property, they must provide adequate warning or correct the issue in a reasonable amount of time. Individuals also have a responsibility to use a reasonable amount of caution when entering certain areas, and avoid dangerous conditions when they are noticeable or properly labeled.
Slip and fall accidents can occur on side walks, pool areas, stairwells, and other places where individuals walk or run. Those injured in these cases must prove that their injuries resulted from the negligence or wrongful actions of the property owner for which their injury was sustained. Some owners attempt to blame the victim for failing to heed warning or use proper caution to avoid injury. Comparative negligence may be considered in these cases, which weighs the owner’s responsibility against the victim’s. These issues can make proving one’s case extremely difficult, and therefore, the assistance of effective legal counsel may be necessary.
Following an accident, your health should be your first priority. As soon as you are medically able to do so, however, contact Eberstein & Witherite, LLP, to speak one-on-one with an experienced Texas slip and fall attorney. In plain English or Spanish, our bilingual staff can provide important information about the legal options available to help you. It costs you nothing to contact us and you will not pay any legal fees or out-of-pocket expenses unless and until we recover compensation for your injuries.
