Brian White | September 5, 2023 | Slip and Fall
You might be familiar with the term slip and fall accident. Slips and falls generally fall under premises liability claims. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, the property owner or other responsible party could be liable for your damages.
However, a trip and fall accident could also create liability for damages. Trips and falls are similar to slips and falls, but some important differences could affect the injuries a person sustains from the fall.
What Is the Difference Between Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in Houston, TX?
The primary difference between a slip and fall accident and a trip and fall accident is how the accident occurs.
A slip and fall accident occurs when your foot slips because of a slick surface or an object on the floor. Your foot goes out in front of you, causing you to lose your balance and fall backward. Spills, leaks, and waxing are common causes of slip and fall accidents.
A trip and fall accident happens because your foot trips over something. You lose your balance and fall forward. Objects on the floor, uneven surfaces, damaged flooring, and uneven door jams are examples of causes of trip and fall accidents.
Injuries Caused by Houston Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
Both slip and fall and trip and fall accidents can result in severe injuries. Insurance companies often downplay these accidents as minor. However, a fall can cause long-term disabilities and impairments.
When you fall backward in a slip and fall accident, common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury and skull fractures
- Shoulder injuries, including dislocations, rotator cuff injuries, and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash and cervical fractures
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Back injuries, including fractured vertebrae, herniated discs, and nerve damage
- Hip fractures and injuries
Falling forward can cause similar injuries. When you fall forward in a trip and fall accident, common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Abrasions and lacerations on your hands, knees, and elbows
- Facial injuries
- Broken and sprained wrists from trying to break your fall
- Ankle and foot injuries from tripping
- Knee injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
Both types of falls could cause other injuries. Regardless of how you fall and whether you feel “okay” after the fall, you should seek prompt medical treatment. Delays in medical care could cause injuries to worsen, and it could jeopardize your personal injury claim.
Can I Sue for Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries in Houston, TX?
Falls are generally covered by premises liability laws. Property owners have a duty of care to maintain their premises in a safe manner. Other parties who could be liable for a slip, trip, and fall accident include homeowners, government entities, businesses, tenants, management companies, and other parties with control of the property.
You can sue the responsible party for damages caused by a slip, trip, and fall. Examples of economic and non-economic damages in a premises liability claim include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Impairments, disabilities, scarring, and disfigurement
- Past and future loss of income and wages, including decreases in future earning capacity
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Your injuries and other factors determine how much a slip, trip, and fall case is worth. Seeking legal advice from an experienced Houston slip and fall accident lawyer before talking with an insurance adjuster or accepting a settlement offer is wise. An attorney can protect you from unfair insurance tactics that could result in a much lower settlement amount.
How Long Do I Have To File a Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident Claim in Texas?
Most premises liability claims have a two-year statute of limitations in the State of Texas. However, several factors could change the filing deadline. For example, if you are injured on government or public property, you could have just a few months to file a notice of claim.
Talk with a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney will determine the statute of limitations for your case.
What Should I Do After a Slip, Trip, and Fall Accident in Houston, TX?
Steps to take after falling on someone else’s property in Texas include:
- Notify the property owner or responsible party of your injury.
- Document the accident scene and collect evidence. The owner may correct the hazardous situation after you leave. Taking photographs and making a video of what caused you to fall can help prove your case.
- Ask people who were nearby or stopped to help for their names and contact information.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries and follow up with your doctor.
- Avoid talking with the property owner or an insurance company until you meet with an attorney.
As soon as possible, meet with a Houston slip and fall attorney for a free consultation. A lawyer will advise you of your legal rights and help you decide what to do next.
Contact the Houston Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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