Property Owners Owe You a Duty of Care
Slip and fall lawsuits are a type of premises liability case. Under Texas premises liability law, property owners have a duty to protect anyone who comes onto their premises.
This rule even applies if you’re trespassing. The duty they owe to you ultimately depends on your legal status as a visitor. As an invited guest, you’re owed a higher duty of care than someone who is trespassing.
- Licensee: A licensee is someone who visits a property for their own amusement, with the owner’s permission. You might be considered a license if you buy a ticket and go to a baseball game or concert.
- Invitee: An invitee is someone who is invited to visit the property for the benefit of the property owner. The visit can also be mutually beneficial. The invitation can be express (“Hey, come on over!”) or implied (a store advertises that it’s open to the public between certain hours). You might be considered an invitee if you go to a store to shop or visit a friend at their home.
Property owners have to keep premises safe and free of potential hazards. They have a responsibility to search for dangers and fix them before they can cause an issue. As an invitee, you must be warned of any known hazards.
Simply put, property owners who allow you to come onto their property have to take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe. If you slip and fall because of a hazard they knew of or should have known about, you may be entitled to compensation from them.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall incidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor bumps and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. The exact nature of these injuries often depends on the specifics of the incident, such as the height of the fall, the surface landed on, and the physical condition of the victim.
- Soft Tissue Damage: This might involve sprains or strains affecting muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Though not always immediately visible, these injuries can cause chronic pain or discomfort if not properly treated.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Head injuries are another serious concern associated with slip and fall accidents. These could range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may lead to lasting cognitive impairment or other neurological issues.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are quite frequent in such scenarios; victims may suffer broken limbs, hips, collarbones, or even spinal fractures depending on how they land or what part of their body takes the impact first.
- Spinal Injuries: Spinal cord injuries may occur due to a hard fall, especially if it involves landing on your back. Such damage might lead to temporary or permanent loss of sensation or function in parts or all of your body below where the injury occurred — potentially resulting in paralysis.
- Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical trauma, psychological effects should also be considered. Some victims may develop anxiety disorders, including specific phobias like fear of walking on slippery surfaces, among others, after such incidents.
At Lorenz & Lorenz, we understand that overcoming these challenges requires not just medical attention but also adequate financial support for treatments as well as compensating for related losses like earning ability, among others. That’s why our dedicated attorneys strive relentlessly toward securing maximum compensation for your damages while you focus on recovery.
Damages Available to Slip and Fall Accident Victims
A slip and fall can have serious consequences. You might sustain injuries that cause excruciating pain and change your life forever. Those injuries may require extensive (and expensive) medical treatment. You may even have to miss time at work while you get help and recover. This can put you in a very tough financial situation. You may not have enough money to make ends meet. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys can help you fight for every dollar you deserve.
Damages available in Waco slip and fall cases might include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and income
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Call our Texas law firm today for your free consultation and find out how we may be able to assist in getting you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
