Houston Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents range from a momentary incident that everyone has a chuckle about to a major one that can cause serious injury or even death.
In fact, death from serious falls is more common than most people imagine. The CDC estimates that unintentional falls account for almost 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Around 20-30 percent of people who slip and fall will suffer a moderate to severe injury.

Whether a bruise, bone fracture, head injury or traumatic brain injury, you may have a legitimate claim if your injury was from an accident caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another party. This is often a business owner who did not exercise a duty of care.

Regardless of your type of slip and fall injury, personal injury lawyer Ryan DeHoyos can help you claim the compensation you deserve and get back on your feet after your injury.

What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Injury in Houston, Texas?

A slip and fall injury occurs when a person is injured after slipping, tripping, or falling due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. 

In Houston, Texas, property owners are required by law to maintain safe premises. 

If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or hidden hazards.

For a slip-and-fall injury to be valid in Houston, the injured party must prove that the property owner or manager was negligent. 

This includes demonstrating that the owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard but failed to address it. Proving liability often requires evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and medical records.

Why hire a Houston slip and fall lawyer to recover damages in slip and fall cases?

It may seem straightforward: you slipped, fell, and fractured your hip because the local mall failed to cordon off a wet floor. You’ve missed work, endured pain, and are facing mounting medical bills. Getting compensation should be simple, right?

Unfortunately, businesses and their insurance companies often avoid liability in slip-and-fall cases, hiring powerful legal teams to minimize payouts. This puts you in a difficult position, especially since Texas laws can favor businesses.

Hiring an experienced Houston slip and fall lawyer like Ryan DeHoyos can make all the difference. With extensive experience in personal injury claims, Ryan will handle all communications with the insurance company, proving liability and securing fair compensation for your injuries.

While most cases settle out of court, Ryan is fully prepared to go to trial if necessary. Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2019, he knows the Houston court system and fights for your rights against insurance companies’ strongarm tactics.

Contact Ryan DeHoyos for a free consultation today, and let him fight for the compensation you deserve.

We Handle All Slip and Fall Accident Cases Near You in Houston

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, and our team handles all types of cases, including accidents that occur in:

Nightclubs

Busy nightclubs can have slippery floors from spilled drinks or poorly maintained surfaces, increasing the risk of falls.

Big box stores, including Target, Walmart, and Lowes

Large stores like Target, Walmart, and Lowes often see high foot traffic, and spills or misplaced items can lead to accidents.

Grocery stores

Grocery stores can be particularly hazardous due to spills from liquids, produce, or other perishable items.

Nursing homes

Due to mobility issues, nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to slip-and-fall injuries, and it’s critical that these facilities maintain safe conditions.

Hotels

Wet floors, loose carpets, or poorly lit hotel areas can lead to severe injuries.

Schools

Schools must ensure the safety of their hallways, classrooms, and common areas to prevent accidents among students and staff.

Hospitals

Hospitals often have wet floors due to cleaning or medical procedures, posing a risk to patients and visitors.

Airports

With high traffic and fast-paced environments, airports can be hotspots for slip-and-fall accidents due to spills or improperly maintained flooring.

What are common causes of slip and fall injuries in Houston?

Slip and fall injuries can sometimes happen due to the injured party’s carelessness or unavoidable accidents, as insurance companies may argue. However, many incidents result from hazards or unsafe conditions on the property, often due to a property owner’s negligence.

For example, property owners may neglect regular inspections or ignore needed repairs, leading to dangerous conditions. 

Common causes of slip and fall injuries in Houston include:

• Wet or slippery floors during or after cleaning
• Slippery stairways or ramps
• Worn-out carpets or flooring tiles
• Unsecured wires or cords in public areas
• Poor lighting in stairwells or other vital areas
• Obstacles protruding into walkways
• Missing or broken stairs or handrails
• Failure to warn of known hazards

These accidents are often avoidable. You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured due to property negligence.

How Common Are Slips and Fall Accidents in Texas?

Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of injuries across Texas, including Houston. These incidents often occur in public spaces, workplaces, and private properties. 

According to reports, millions of slip-and-fall accidents happen nationwide yearly, and Texas is no exception. Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of emergency room visits, especially among older adults.

Slips and falls account for many occupational injuries in Texas workplaces. Many industries, such as construction, healthcare, and retail, report high rates of these accidents. 

Slip and Fall Injury Statistics

According to the National Safety Council, slip, trip, and fall accidents are among the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the U.S. Texas reported numerous fatal injuries caused by falls, particularly in workplaces. 

The Texas Department of Insurance found that slips and falls accounted for many of these incidents, emphasizing the need for better safety protocols.

The data reveals that falls disproportionately affect specific demographics, particularly older adults and individuals working physically demanding jobs. 

In Houston and across Texas, these accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries, which can have long-term consequences.

Why hire Ryan DeHoyos as your slip and fall injury lawyer?

Ryan A. DeHoyos has been an established face in the courtrooms of Houston for over a decade. In recent years, he has represented local families affected by personal accident injuries in the city and the surrounding areas.

Ryan went to South Texas School of Law and graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 2009. Upon graduation, Ryan worked for a local law firm and several large businesses to hone his litigation and trial skills, and today he uses this experience and his holistic understanding of legal matters to obtain favorable results for his clients

His knowledge and understanding of the local court system, the associated procedures, and the personnel involved can benefit your case.

When you choose Ryan DeHoyos to manage your case, you can expect the following:

• A compassionate, friendly, and focused approach.
• An attorney who is truly focused on your best interests
• A detail-oriented examination of your case
• Tenacious negotiations with the insurance company of the at-fault party
• Open and regular communication to keep you informed at every stage of the process
• No “legalese”, Ryan will explain matters in clear English no matter how complex
• The expertise of a personal injury lawyer recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers
• An impressive track record of success in and out of the courtroom

Ryan DeHoyos will fight for your best interests, but you still retain control of the ultimate decision: whether to accept a settlement or proceed to a trial. His advice and guidance can prove invaluable when making this decision.

What must be proven and what losses can you claim for slip and fall injuries?

One of two basic requirements must generally be proven in slip and fall cases if you are hoping to win compensation from the property owner:

• The responsible party knew or should have known about the safety hazard/unsafe conditions, or
• The responsible party failed to fix the dangerous condition or provide adequate warnings to customers/the public

A property/business owner has a duty of care to keep the premises safe for visitors and customers. If a dangerous condition was the cause of your injury and one of the above elements is true, this duty of care has been breached.

Remember that the property/business owner or manager must have known about the hazard or should have known. A common defense for businesses is that the hazard presented itself immediately before the accident – but video surveillance footage can often prove this wrong.

If you suffer an injury due to your accident you may be able to claim the following losses, depending on the extent of your injury:

• All past, present and future medical bills for treating your injury
• Lost income from not being able to work
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Any other damages suffered as a direct result of your injury

What should you do after a slip and fall accident injury in Houston?

After a slip and fall accident at business premises, the first step is naturally to attend to your injuries and seek emergency medical care.

You will aid a future compensation claim for your injuries if you can also do the following:

• If possible, stay at the scene and take pictures of the hazard that caused the accident and any relevant surroundings
• Get an incident report from the management of the business if possible
• Get a diagnosis of your injuries as soon as possible and obtain a copy of all relevant medical records

After this, the most important step is to speak to Ryan DeHoyos and discuss your situation and your options. Ryan will investigate the incident, gather further evidence to prove liability, and liaise with the business owner and the insurance company while you focus on recovery.

Who can be held liable for slip and fall accidents in Texas?

All public businesses in Texas have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe for visitors and patrons – whether they are guests, customers, shoppers, suppliers, and so on.

The types of properties in Texas that routinely face slip and fall accident injury claims include:

• Hotels
• Recreation centers
• Swimming pools and water parks
• Playgrounds
• Go-cart tracks
• Restaurants and Bars
• Office buildings
• Malls and department stores

Homeowners and landowners may also be held liable for slips and falls. They have a duty of care to visitors and even some trespassers! As such, they are expected to eliminate or warn of hazards on their property.

Houston Slip and Fall Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a slip-and-fall accident in Houston?

1. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Document your injuries and treatment.
2. Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of the accident, damaged vehicles, and any injuries. Note the location, time, and any witnesses present.
3. Report the accident: Contact the property owner or manager and file a report. This will provide official documentation of the incident.
4. Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident. However, be cautious about making statements that could jeopardize your claim.
5. Consult a lawyer: Contact a Houston slip and fall lawyer immediately. They can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

How do I know if I have a valid slip and fall case in Texas?

To have a valid slip-and-fall case in Texas, you generally need to prove the following elements:

1. The property owner or manager had a duty of care, which means they were responsible for keeping the premises safe for visitors.
2. The property owner or manager breached their duty of care by failing to maintain the premises safely or knowing about a hazard and failing to address it.
3. The hazardous condition directly caused your injuries: You must prove that the unsafe condition on the property caused your fall and subsequent injuries.

Who can be held liable for my slip and fall injuries?

The party liable for your slip and fall injuries will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. However, common potential defendants include:

• Property owner or manager: This is often the case when an accident occurs on a business property or public space.
• Building maintenance company: They could be liable if the maintenance company were responsible for maintaining the property.
• Third-party contractor: If a contractor worked on the property during the accident and created the hazardous condition, they could be liable.

What types of compensation can I receive for a slip and fall injury in Houston?

If you win your slip and fall case, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Medical expenses include past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and medications.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost income.
• Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
• Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for repairs or replacement.

How long do I have to file a slip-and-fall lawsuit in Texas?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is generally two years from the accident date. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, so it’s essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC Today

Most slip and fall injury cases are complex and should not be attempted without the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

If you or a loved one has been injured from a slip or fall in the Houston area, contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC today at (832) 745-4878 for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

Houston Slip and Fall Accident Statistic Infographic