Dallas Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and fall accidents often occur when people least expect them. Some accidents occur indoors, such as in a grocery store or shopping mall, while others occur outdoors in parking lots and on sidewalks. One thing slip and fall accidents have in common is that they can cause serious injuries and side effects. The injuries an individual sustained may be the result of a property owner’s carelessness, so a victim may be able to receive compensation for injuries and losses.
If you sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident that you suspect arose from someone else’s negligence, you may need to call a Dallas slip and fall lawyer to help you build a personal injury case. A compassionate injury lawyer could help you build a strong case and negotiate with the defendant for a fair settlement.
Visitor Status to Determine Liability
A person’s status on the premises can determine their ability to obtain monetary compensation for slip and fall injuries. For example, if the injured person is a store patron or customer, they are considered an invitee and are owed the highest duty of care.
If the visitors to the premises are invitees, the premises owner or manager must inspect and ensure the premises are reasonably safe for them. Moreover, they must take reasonable steps to warn invitees of known hazards on the premises. A similar duty of care is owed to those considered licensees, who are social guests or a salesman. These people are entering for their own benefit and the owner must warn of or make safe conditions they are aware of.
If the premises owner or manager fails to take these precautions, the accident victim may be able to file a legal claim against the premises owner or manager for damages. The owner does not, however, have to take precautions for the last type of visitor: a trespasser. This is someone who is on the property without permission and for which the property owner does not owe a duty of care. The owner generally cannot be held liable for a trespasser’s injuries.
Types of Injuries from Slip and Falls
Fractures and broken bones are common with slip and fall accidents. This is because the accident victim may fall unexpectedly and forcefully onto their backsides. The bones in their back, hipbones, or posterior may receive the force and consequently, break or fracture.
In addition to breaks or fractures, accident victims may also sustain soft tissue injuries or more permanent injuries such as a traumatic head injury. In the event of a permanent injury, the accident victim may require long-term care and physical or vocational rehabilitation.
Factors used to determine whether an injury is permanent include the following:
- Whether medical procedures can resolve the condition
- Amount and extent of medical care and treatment needed
- Post-accident ability levels compared to pre-accident ability levels
- Physical activity levels before and after the slip and fall accident
A Dallas slip and fall lawyer could use their connections to consult with a medical expert and determine whether the claimant is suffering from a permanent injury. With the help of the medical expert, the lawyer could estimate the amount of potential financial compensation based on the costs of future medical procedures, care, and treatment.
Talk to a Dallas Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Many slip and fall injuries are preventable, but occur because property owners and managers do not provide the necessary care and attention to property maintenance issues. If you sustained injuries on a poorly maintained premise, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries.
A Dallas slip and fall lawyer could assess your situation to see if it has a basis for a personal injury claim and provide you with support to move forward with your legal options. A seasoned lawyer could help you hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence by seeking fair compensation from them.s
