Have you slipped and fallen? Whether it was in the street at work or in a commercial business you should talk to a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.
Did you know that the average cost of a slip and fall accident is around $30,000?
Slip and fall injuries are one of those accidents that come out of nowhere and deeply impact your quality of life.
Whether it’s light harm or injuries severe enough to cause wrongful death, accidental injuries due to negligence are more ubiquitous than you’d think.
That’s why you’ll find thousands of slip and fall claims are being filed on an annual basis. But, do you actually have a case? If you’re wondering whether it’s time for you to contact a slip and fall lawyer or not, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep on reading for the main seven signs that you should hire a slip and fall lawyer in Houston immediately.
Slip and Fall Accidents 101: What Qualifies as One?
People can get injured from slips, falls, and other accidents on a daily. But, which ones fall under the category of a “slip and fall” when it comes to the rule of law?
In general, there are a couple of different types of slip and fall accidents. These include slippery surface falls, like falling from terraces or balconies, and even stairway accidents.
Also, other falls like falling off parking ramps, on the sidewalk, or falling in your bathroom fit the bill.
What makes any of these falls qualify as a personal injury lawsuit is the foundation of negligence on part of the property owner.
In the simplest of terms, a property owner has a legal obligation, to the people inhabiting the space, to keep the area in a safe condition.
If the property owner failed in their duty, thus becoming negligent, which caused you to slip and fall, then you might be able to be compensated for your injuries.
7 Signs You Need a Slip and Fall Lawyer
The common thread behind successful slip and fall lawsuits is the negligence of the property owner. They should have known that their property had dangerous conditions that could cause harm to people.
The main question that needs to be addressed in court is whether the property owner has shown “reasonable” care of their property.
This brings us to the main seven questions that you need to ask yourself. If most of your answers to the following points are yes, then you most likely have a solid case and need to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
1. The Injury Location Is Broken or in a Dangerous Condition
In short, if the area where you slipped was wet or broken, then you most likely have a case.
Also, if that area was looking rough for quite some time before your injury, then there’s a high probability that the property owner knew about it. Or, they should have known about it and taken the right precautions in fixing the place.
2. You’re Not the First One to Get Injured
If you’re aware that there are other people who had a similar accident to yours, then your case just got bolstered.
This is strong evidence that this area poses a risk to people’s health and lives. The fact that there are other people who’ve gotten hurt, and nothing has been done to fix the area showcases the property owner’s negligence.
3. The Area Isn’t Well-Maintained
Do you have knowledge regarding whether the area is regularly maintained or not?
If you’re aware that there’s no schedule in place for regular maintenance and repair, then it’s an additional sign of negligence.
4. Tripping Over Objects: Misplaced or Left Behind?
In short, if you’ve tripped or slipped on an object, ask yourself whether this object was meant to be there.
For instance, was it something that someone just left on the floor, or was there a solid reason why it was there?
5. Object Removal or Relocation
If the object has an obvious purpose, do you think the property owner could have taken an action to make it safe for people, like removing it or covering it?
If the answer is yes, then you should call a lawyer.
6. Lack of Signs or Forewarning
If the object couldn’t have been removed, were there danger signs posted?
When it comes to objects that had a legitimate reason for why they were put in a place where they could cause harm to people, responsible property owners will make sure to either put a sign warning of the object’s ability to hurt people.
Another option would have been to place a barrier around the object, or they could have also sent out a forewarning to residents if it’s a residential area.
7. Poor Lighting in the Location of Injury
Try your best to remember the lighting circumstances of your injury.
If the area was poorly lit to a degree that it contributed to the accident, then you might have evidence that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury.
Why You Need an Experienced Accidental Injury Lawyer on Hand
Every accidental injury case has its own unique set of circumstances.
For instance, you might have to take a close look at whether your own individual actions might have contributed to your accident.
Having a lawyer on hand to guide you through the whole process, as well as aid with critical evidence gathering will ensure that you get the maximum compensation for your injury.
Moreover, before contacting a slip and fall lawyer, try your best to collect the following evidential material.
Take photos of the scene of your injury, of your clothing, as well as your injuries themselves. In addition, make sure you have the contact information of any witnesses that happened to be around when you got injured.
Furthermore, file an accident report if your injury occurred in a store of any kind, as well as keep the object that caused your slip in the first place.
Ready to Get Your Case Taken Care Of?
There’s no reason for you to deal with the aftereffects of a slip and fall injury alone.
Having a slip and fall lawyer take care of the evidence gathering, as well as filing your personal injury lawsuit for you will guarantee the best possible compensation for your injury.
Now that you know all about the key seven signs that you should contact an experienced lawyer, you’re in a great place to contact us for your free consultation.