When we visit someone else’s property, whether it is a hospital, school, supermarket, or private home, we expect it to be safe and free of any hazards. For that reason, a slip and fall accident often catches us by surprise and leaves us with terrible injuries and serious hospital bills. In some cases, it may even prevent you from working or returning to the same occupation.
A slip and fall accident can usually be prevented if the property owner takes reasonable steps to make sure that the premises is safe. Unfortunately, some ignore this duty or assume that you will recognize the hazard.
Underwood Law Office understands what you are going through after this terrifying and painful accident. If you were injured on someone else’s property in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation. In a free consultation, a team member can talk to you about how a Plano slip and fall lawyer can help you with your case. Call our office now at (972) 535-6377.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
There are many different ways a slip and fall accident can take place. One example is fallen produce or spilled liquids in the supermarket. When slippery materials or liquid is on an already slick floor, it can be nearly impossible to keep your footing if you step in them.
Here are some other causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Inclement weather
- Lack of proper employee training
- Poorly maintained flooring
- Lack of warning signs
- Leaky sinks, toilets, or other plumbing devices
- Uneven flooring
- Recently waxed floors
- Loose mats or rugs without skid-proof backing
- Not salting icy surfaces
- Spilled food items or other substances
There could be other factors at play in your slip and fall accident that you can discuss with your Plano slip and fall lawyer. Dial (972) 535-6377 for a free consultation at Underwood Law Office.
For a free legal consultation with a slip and fall injury lawyer serving Plano, call (972) 535-6377
Possible Victims in Slip and Fall Cases
A slip and fall accident is a type of personal injury claim. In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must show that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care and skill at the time of the accident. When it comes to slip and falls, landowners have certain duties to keep their properties in safe condition. The level of duty that the property owner owes depends on your status. There are different classifications of guests:
- Invitee: A person in this class is someone who was invited to the property for a business reason and who is a member of the general public. The property is usually a place that invites members of the general public. An example would be a supermarket or a movie theater. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to persons in the class. That duty requires the property owner to conduct routine inspections to repair any dangerous conditions and provide warnings for any dangerous conditions that they know about or should have discovered through a reasonable inspection.
- Licensees: A person in this class is generally a family friend or a social guest. The person enters the property with either an express or implied invitation from the landowner and is only allowed on the premises because the property owner provided permission. A property owner owes this class of persons a duty to warn against any known dangerous conditions on the property. An example would be a friend visiting you at home.
- Trespasser: A person in this class is someone who enters a property without the owner’s permission. In general, the property owner does not owe this class a duty of care. The property owner does, however, have a duty to not cause the trespasser any intentional or willful harm.
Do not let these categories and their complexities overwhelm you. By working with a Plano slip and fall lawyer, you can learn more about how these categories impact your situation and your potential right to recovery.
Plano Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
How a Lawyer Can Assist You
There are many different aspects of your claim that a lawyer can oversee. When you retain a lawyer to pursue your potential right to financial compensation, the lawyer steps into your shoes and represents you in all matters related to the incident that caused your injuries. This means that your lawyer can work with insurance companies, the property owner, and any other party involved in the resolution of your claim.
Here are some other ways that your lawyer will work diligently on your behalf:
- Gathering evidence on your behalf to show that the property owner breached their duty of care
- Making sure insurance companies adhere to the terms of an insurance policy so you are paid what you are owed
- Representing you in a deposition and taking depositions of witnesses and other key parties
- Responding to written requests for information from the opposing party and/or insurance company
- Keeping track of critical dates in your case to make sure that your rights are protected and not waived
- Answering your questions about the legal process and making sure you understand what is happening
- Retaining and consulting expert witnesses to establish liability and the extent of your injuries
- Compiling and organizing all of the documentation necessary to prove your case
- Negotiating a settlement and/or preparing for trial if necessary
You can speak with your lawyer about any other aspects of your claim that you may need help with. You only have two years to assert any right to compensation in a personal injury accident, according to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003. If you do not file your lawsuit before the two-year time period expires, then you waive your right to compensation.
At Underwood Law Office, we provide a free consultation where you can sit down with one of our team members to discuss your accident, injuries, and expenses. Call now at (972) 535-6377 to get started.
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