Slip and fall accidents can occur in any location, such as at the grocery store, in a restaurant, or even on a neighbor’s driveway. One second you are walking as usual, and the next you are on the ground, hurt and wondering what went wrong. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall in Houston, it helps to know what the law says about who is responsible and what you need to prove your case.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is the legal responsibility property owners have to keep their property safe for people who have a right to be there. This could be a business owner who needs to keep floors clean and dry, or a homeowner who should fix broken steps. When they fail to do this, and you are hurt as a result, the property owner can be held responsible.
Understanding Duty of Care
The duty of care means the property owner must take reasonable steps to keep their property safe. What is “reasonable” depends on the situation. For example, a grocery store should clean up spilled milk as soon as possible and put up a “wet floor” sign to warn people. If they ignore the spill and someone slips, they most likely did not meet their duty of care.
Not every accident is the owner’s fault. If you trip over your own shoelaces, that is not something the property owner can control. However, if you slip on a leak that has been ignored for hours or a broken step that has been left unrepaired for weeks, that is different.
Examples of Unsafe Conditions
Many different hazards can cause slip and falls. Some common examples include:
- Wet or greasy floors with no warning signs
- Loose rugs or carpets that bunch up
- Uneven sidewalks or broken steps
- Poor lighting that makes it hard to see obstacles
- Cluttered walkways in stores or buildings
Property owners should fix these dangers quickly or warn people about them until they are fixed.
Types of Evidence That Can Help
If you have been hurt in a slip and fall, you will need strong evidence to show what happened. Property owners and insurance companies might attempt to place the blame for the accident on you. That’s why gathering solid evidence is crucial to strengthen your case. Helpful evidence can include:
- Photos or videos of where you fell, showing what made it unsafe
- Medical records showing your injuries
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the fall
- Accident reports, if you fell in a store or other business
- Clothing or shoes you wore that day, in case the property owner says these items caused your fall
Try to get photos as soon as possible. If you cannot do it yourself, ask a friend or family member. Conditions can change fast. A spill might get cleaned up right after your fall.
Why Documentation Matters
When you are hurt, it can be hard to think about gathering evidence. Writing down what happened can help you remember important details later. Note what time it was, what you were doing, what you slipped on, and whether anyone saw it happen. Keep copies of all your medical bills, any prescriptions you need due to your injuries, and any time you missed work because of your injuries.
Good documentation can show how the accident has affected your life and help you get fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You Do Not Have to Handle This Alone
After you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident that wasn’t your fault, you should not have to pay for someone else’s carelessness. Proving a premises liability case takes solid evidence and a clear story about how the property owner failed to keep you safe.
If you are hurt due to a slip and fall accident in Houston, Sherman Law Firm is ready to stand up for you. We help people hold property owners accountable and fight for the money they need to heal and move forward. Call us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you prove your case.