Brazoria County Slip & Fall Lawyer
When you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Brazoria County, you need an experienced legal advocate who understands the complexities of Texas premises liability law. At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Brazoria County slip & fall lawyer has over 20 years of experience helping injury victims throughout Texas recover the compensation they deserve. We understand that property owners have a duty to provide safe premises, and when they fail in that duty, we’re here to hold them accountable.
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from grocery stores in Pearland to office buildings in Alvin, and the injuries sustained can be severe and life-changing. Our firm operates on a no recovery, no fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We treat every client with compassion and professionalism, providing personalized service throughout your case because we believe there is no such thing as a small case.
Understanding Premises Liability Law in Texas
Texas premises liability law is complex, with duties that shift according to the type of property, the nature of the activity, and the status of the victim at the time of injury. Property owners, whether they operate retail establishments, office buildings, restaurants, or residential properties, have varying degrees of responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for visitors.
Under Texas law, the duty owed to visitors depends on their classification as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Business invitees, such as customers in stores, are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must use ordinary care to reduce or eliminate unreasonable risks of harm that the owner knew or should have known about. This includes conducting regular inspections, maintaining the property in good repair, and warning visitors of any known hazards.
Insurance companies often employ tricks to lessen or avoid liability in slip and fall cases. They might argue that the hazard was open and obvious, that the victim was comparatively negligent, or that the property owner had no notice of the dangerous condition. Our experienced legal team knows these tactics and how to counter them effectively.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to various hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Wet floors without proper warning signs are among the most frequent causes, whether from spilled liquids, recent mopping, or leaking fixtures. Uneven surfaces, including cracked sidewalks, broken steps, and damaged flooring, create tripping hazards that property owners should address promptly.
Poor lighting conditions can make it difficult for visitors to see potential hazards, while cluttered walkways and obstacles in pathways force people to navigate around dangers. Weather-related conditions, such as ice or snow accumulation on walkways, can also create liability for property owners who fail to take reasonable steps to address these hazards.
In retail environments, merchandise left in aisles, spilled products not cleaned up promptly, and improperly maintained shopping carts can all contribute to accidents. Construction zones without proper barriers or warning signs, loose handrails, and defective stairs are additional common factors in premises liability cases throughout the region.
Our firm has successfully handled cases involving all types of dangerous conditions. We work diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to maximize the value of your claim. We put in the time and effort required because we focus on your needs and give your case our full attention.
Proving Your Slip and Fall Case
Successfully proving a slip and fall case requires establishing several key elements under Texas law. First, we must demonstrate that the property owner owed you a duty of care based on your status as a visitor to the premises. Next, we need to show that the property owner breached this duty by creating or allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
Establishing notice is often the most challenging aspect of these cases. We must prove that the property owner either had actual knowledge of the hazardous condition or should have known about it through reasonable inspection and maintenance procedures. This might involve reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, examining maintenance records, and consulting with experts.
Documentation is crucial in building a strong case. We gather incident reports, maintenance logs, security camera footage, and witness statements. Medical records documenting your injuries and their connection to the accident are essential for proving damages. We also investigate whether similar accidents have occurred at the same location, which can demonstrate a pattern of negligence.
Time is critical in slip and fall cases because evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses’ memories fade, and hazardous conditions might be corrected. That’s why it’s important to contact our firm as soon as possible after your accident so we can begin preserving evidence immediately.
Brazoria County Slip & Fall FAQs
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, and waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. It’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
What if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still be entitled to significant damages.
What types of damages can I recover in a slip and fall case?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity. In cases involving severe injuries, future medical costs and long-term care needs may also be recoverable. Each case is unique, and the available damages depend on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries.
Do I need to report my slip and fall accident to the property owner?
Yes, you should report your accident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible. This creates an official record of the incident and ensures that the property owner has notice of what happened. Ask for a copy of any incident report and take photos of the accident scene if you’re able to do so safely.
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Document the scene by taking photos of the hazardous condition and your injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses, and report the accident to the property owner or manager. Keep all medical records and receipts related to your injuries, and contact an experienced premises liability attorney to protect your rights.
Serving Throughout Brazoria County
- Pearland
- Alvin
- Angleton
- Clute
- Lake Jackson
- Freeport
- Sweeny
- West Columbia
- Manvel
- Rosharon
Contact a Brazoria County Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The experienced team at Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm has over 20 years of experience helping injury victims navigate the challenges that arise from premises liability accidents. We have successfully helped hundreds of accident and injury victims just like you, and we’re passionate about our clients’ rights and recovery.
When you choose our firm, you’ll receive personalized legal representation that meets your needs. You’ll meet with your lawyer at your initial consultation and have direct access to your attorney throughout your case. We treat you like a person, not a number on a case file, because every case and every client is equally important to us. Contact our dedicated Brazoria County premises liability attorney today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
