Brian White | November 23, 2024 | Personal Injury
Space Center Houston is owned and operated by Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization. It is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center.
Since its opening in 1992, the museum has welcomed approximately 1.3 million visitors each year. Space Center Houston is an engaging and educational experience that provides an exciting look into America’s human spaceflight program.
People who visit Space Center Houston generally enjoy their time. However, if your child slipped and fell while visiting Space Center Houston, this article explains how to pursue a personal injury claim for damages.
Slip and Fall Injuries at Space Center Houston
Slips, trips, and falls can cause severe injuries for children and adults. Common slip and fall injuries include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Spine injuries, including herniated discs and fractured vertebrae
- Ankle and wrist injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Knee injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Facial injuries
Seek immediate medical attention for your child if they slip and fall at Space Center Houston. Child injuries could result in severe physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
What Are the Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at Space Center Houston?
Slip and fall accidents occur for many reasons. Negligence and intentional torts may be to blame. Common causes of a child’s slip and fall injury at a museum include:
- Poorly maintained exhibits and displays
- Interactions with other guests
- Wet or slippery floors
- Inadequate lighting
- Damaged or torn rugs and flooring
- Inadequate maintenance
- Cluttered areas
- Uneven surfaces
- Broken stairs and missing handrails
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. That includes the owners and managers of Space Center Houston. If your child fell while visiting the Center, they could be entitled to compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
What Do I Need to Prove for a Slip and Fall Claim at Houston Space Center?
Slip and fall accidents are included in premises liability claims. You must prove that the owner, manager, or other responsible party was negligent in providing safe premises for visitors.
The elements of a slip and fall case include:
- Duty of Care – The evidence must show that Space Center Houston owed your child a legal duty.
- Breach of Duty – You must show that Space Center Houston failed to meet the duty of care through their actions or omissions.
- Causation – There must be a direct and proximate link between the breach of duty and the cause of the slip-and-fall accident.
- Damages – You must prove that your child sustained injuries and other damages because of the slip and fall accident.
Proving negligence on the part of Space Center Houston can be challenging. You must gather evidence proving each of the above elements by a preponderance of the evidence. The Center and its insurance provider have teams of attorneys and professionals to protect it from liability. Therefore, your child needs skilled legal representation to protect their rights.
What Damages Can My Child Receive for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Children can receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. If your child was injured in a slip and fall at Space Center Houston, they could be entitled to:
- Pain and suffering damages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Medical bills
- Loss of quality of life and enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitative care
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Long-term care
- Scarring and disfigurement
A slip and fall can cause severe injuries that result in life-altering impairments for your child. A personal injury case can provide compensation for damages to assist with special needs, education, and future care.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident at Space Center Houston
If your child sustains injuries because of a slip and fall at Space Center Houston, you need to know the steps to take to protect their rights. You can maximize your child’s chances of receiving a fair settlement if you:
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Call for an ambulance to seek prompt medical care. If your child does not need emergency medical treatment, take them to the doctor directly from the museum if possible. Having your child checked by a medical professional as soon as possible is in their best interest.
Some injuries, such as a concussion or soft tissue injury, may not produce symptoms immediately after a fall. Furthermore, children might not know how to explain their symptoms. However, a doctor can use diagnostic tests and their experience to determine your child’s injuries.
Report the Accident to the Center
Ask a staff member to get a manager immediately. You need to report the accident and ask them to prepare an accident report. Obtain a copy of the report before you leave.
Document the Accident Scene
Gathering evidence is crucial. If possible, take photographs of the entire area, including the hazard that caused your child to fall.
Making a video to ensure you capture every angle and item is also a good idea. Ask management if they have video surveillance and how you can obtain a copy of the video.
Ask eyewitnesses and bystanders for their contact information. Eyewitness testimony is helpful in a personal injury case.
Keep All Documentation Related to the Fall
Keep copies of your medical records, bills, receipts, accident reports, and other documents you receive. Take photographs of your child’s injuries throughout their recovery to document them.
Contact an Attorney for Legal Advice
Claims and lawsuits against museums and other facilities can be challenging. Your child will benefit from having sound legal advice as early in the case as possible. An attorney can help you fight for fair compensation for your child.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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