Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Fort Worth
Though sometimes underestimated, slip-and-fall accidents can leave victims with debilitating injuries that impact them for the rest of their lives. In addition, they are often left struggling to pay off enormous medical bills incurred at no fault of their own.
If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident, The Wilhite Law Firm is here to make sure this does not happen to you. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting your right to full and fair compensation for your injuries. Let us fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Fort Worth slip-and-fall injury lawyer.
How Common Are Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year because of fall injuries. The CDC further reports that over 42,000 people died from unintentional falls in 2020 alone. If the rate of fatal falls continues to rise, we can expect seven fall deaths every hour by 2030.
Sadly, most of these injuries and fatalities are entirely preventable. Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Slippery or cluttered floors
- Loose tiles, floorboards, or carpeting
- Stray power cords and other tripping hazards
- Uneven flooring and sidewalks
- Poorly maintained handrails and guardrails
- Inadequate lighting
- Improper footwear
Though slip-and-fall accidents can happen just about anywhere, they do tend to concentrate in certain locations, especially areas that see high foot traffic. Some of the most common sites of slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Amusement parks
- Apartment complexes
- Bars and restaurants
- Elevators and escalators
- Gas stations
- Hospitals and clinics
- Hotels and resorts
- Nursing homes
- Parks and playgrounds
- Sidewalks and parking lots
- Swimming pools
- Theaters and arenas
Common Injuries Sustained in Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to very serious injuries, especially for individuals 65 years old and above. According to the CDC, these accidents are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Further, 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling, most often on sidewalks. Other severe injuries that can result from slip-and-falls include:
- Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
- Broken and fractured bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Strains, sprains, and bruises
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Proving Liability in a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Slip-and-fall injury cases are normally governed by premises liability law. Premises liability is a legal route to compensation for injuries sustained on property belonging to someone other than the victim.
This area of the law is based on the idea that property owners have a duty to keep their properties reasonably safe for lawful visitors. If a property owner fails to uphold this duty, they will be held liable for injuries that arise as a result.
However, the level of care owed by property owners depends on their relationship with the person visiting their property. Visitors fall into three categories:
- Invitees – Invitees are visitors with permission to enter the property for the owner’s benefit. For example, patrons at a restaurant and customers at a grocery store are normally considered invitees. Property owners must warn invitees of known hazards and regularly check the premises for potential dangers to visitors. Property owners can be held liable for injuries when they knew or should have known about underlying hazards.
- Licensees – Licensees are visitors who enter a property with permission and for their own benefit. For example, salespersons and guests at a dinner party are normally considered licensees. Property owners must warn licensees of known hazards. Failure to do so will lead to liability if a licensee is injured as a result.
- Trespassers – Trespassers are unlawful visitors to a property. Property owners owe a minimal duty of care to trespassers and can only be held liable for injuries caused by gross negligence or intentional acts. However, exceptions exist for young children who trespass onto a property enticed by an “attractive nuisance.”
What Compensation is Available for a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Each year, slip-and-fall accidents give rise to enormous medical costs. According to the CDC, the medical bills associated with these accidents totaled more than $50 billion in 2015 alone. If you are hurt in a slip-and-fall accident at no fault of your own, you should not be forced to shoulder the costs alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wrongful death
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. In Texas, the statute of limitations governing personal injury cases gives you two years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Failure to comply with this deadline nearly always results in your case being dismissed in court.
In addition to destroying your ability to recover compensation through the court system, this will also destroy your leverage when negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the at-fault party and their insurers. Avoid this result by bringing your case to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The Wilhite Law Firm is a phone call away and ready to evaluate your case.
Contact a Fort Worth Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Today
Slip-and-fall accidents are not always taken seriously. This is a mistake. The risk of serious injury associated with slip-and-fall accidents should never be underestimated. In many cases, these accidents can lead to permanent disability and even death. Contact a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at The Wilhite Firm today.
When injured in a slip-and-fall accident, do not wait to bring your case to an experienced personal injury attorney. The sooner your case is reviewed by an attorney, the sooner you can get started on the road to maximum compensation. The personal injury attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm are ready to evaluate and handle your case. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
