Public places and businesses have what is known as a “duty of care” to visitors and employees. This means these property owners have an obligation to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe and to prevent injury.

One hazard property owners and businesses need to pay attention to is slip and fall accidents. Slips and falls can and do happen in stores, factories, movie theaters, schools, apartment buildings, on sidewalks, and just about any property. Each year, about a million emergency room visits across the country – and 20,000 deaths – happen due to slips and falls.

What Qualifies as a Slip and Fall?

Slip and fall incidents happen because a slick surface causes a fall. This can happen because a floor was washed and became slippery, or because a spill or leak occurred and was not cleaned up. Incidents can also happen because of very smooth flooring surfaces, which pose an added risk. In most cases, slip and fall accidents are preventable. Property owners can prevent slip and falls in a few ways:

• By checking regularly for spilled substances and cleaning them up
• By addressing leaks and other hazards before they cause an injury
• By installing flooring which is not excessively smooth and slippery and by correctly maintaining floors
• By having a regular cleaning schedule to wipe up wet areas on the floor
• By using extra caution and increasing mopping frequency on rainy days, when water tracked onto a property can pose an added risk
• By placing warning signs around freshly mopped areas and areas that are drying

If a slip and fall injury was caused by someone’s failure to take these steps and if the injury occurred on property owned by someone else, the injured party may have a legal claim. They may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost time at work, and other losses.

When Should You Get a Slip and Fall Attorney in Houston, Texas?

Slip and fall incidents can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and other injuries. If you have been injured and have lost time at work or have needed medical care, you’ll want to contact a Houston slip and fall attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can promptly start protecting your interests and can work to gather evidence for your claim, helping you to seek fair compensation.

Even if you’re not sure whether you have a claim, it’s valuable to speak to a slip and fall attorney in Houston, TX, if you have been injured in a fall. Your medical costs may be more than you think, and you may need to lose time at work. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, there is no reason for you to cover all these costs on your own.

How Do You Find a Good Slip and Fall Attorney in Houston?

When looking for a good attorney, seek out someone who has extensive experience with slip and fall cases, since these are different from car accidents and other types of personal injury claims. Specifically, look for an attorney who has a track record of securing settlements in slip and fall cases.

Another green flag when it comes to an attorney is a willingness to go to court. A lawyer who does go to trial when a case warrants it, instead of accepting the first offer from an insurance provider, may be able to secure a fairer settlement. Attorneys who pursue the fairest possible claim instead of taking on a high volume of cases and accepting early offers also have a reputation other parties respect, which puts them in a position of strength that can allow them to negotiate more effectively.

Find an attorney you will feel comfortable working with for the duration of your claim. Good communication is essential, and you’ll want an attorney who makes you feel comfortable.

How Can a Good Slip and Fall Attorney Help You?

Slip and fall attorneys in Houston can help you navigate the process after a serious injury. After an injury, an attorney can review any offers made or insurance policies that may be relevant. If you decide to file a claim, an attorney will represent you and gather evidence, improving the chances of a successful settlement.

Slip and fall attorneys in Houston look out for the best interests of their clients. Your attorney will take care of all the complex paperwork and process of filing a claim but can also offer guidance about any settlement offers made. While you focus on healing, your attorney will take care of the legal side of seeking compensation.

What Kind of Recovery Might Be Available?

Slip and fall claims vary widely, and settlements can also range from thousands of dollars to many times that amount. The settlement will depend largely on the severity of the injury, so someone who has suffered permanent disability due to a head injury can expect to recover more than someone who has suffered a sprain.

However, beyond the severity of the injury, other factors can impact the settlement, including the strength of the case, the experience of the attorney representing the injured party, and the details of the case. If you are wondering how much your potential claim may be worth, speak to a Houston slip and fall attorney at Johnson Garcia.

What Is the Process for Filing a Claim?

If you have been injured, the process of your claim begins the moment you are injured. The actions you take after your injury can inform your ability to secure compensation. There are several steps you’ll want to take:

• Report the injury to the landlord, property owner, employer, or other potentially liable party and get a copy of the written report
• Get documentation, including photos of your shoes and the area where you fell
• Secure the contact information for any witnesses
• Get medical help for any injuries and follow your treatment plan
• Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can

During the process, it’s important to avoid discussing the case or revealing any information on social media. It’s also crucial to avoid signing any paperwork related to the case until you have spoken to an attorney.

If you decide to file a claim, your attorney will gather evidence about your case and will file a claim, giving the other party a chance to respond. Any evidence gathered by each side will need to be shared with all parties in the case. Your case may go all the way to trial, or you may reach an out-of-court settlement at any point before your court date. During the entire process, your attorney will keep you informed about the status of your claim and will guide you as you make decisions related to your claim.

How Can Johnson Garcia Law Help?

If you need a slip and fall attorney, Houston, TX has many law firms to help you, but there are specific reasons why you may wish to contact Johnson Garcia Law. Johnson Garcia Law has helped many clients secure compensation for their slip and fall injuries. Our years of experience with these cases mean we have routinely worked with plaintiffs seeking compensation from landlords, stores, property owners, insurance companies, and other liable parties.

Our law firm has a track record of results, and we are dedicated to helping those who have been injured. We have recovered over $100,000,000.00 for our clients and we have been willing to take cases to state and federal courts across Texas to ensure our clients get fair compensation. We have more than 30 years of combined experience and we use that experience to help those in need. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your potential claim.