Businesses and property owners in Texas have a legal obligation to maintain their premises, ensuring a safe environment for invited guests.
This responsibility extends to exterior areas, including parking lots, where slip and fall accidents can occur due to negligence. When property owners fail to address hazards such as cracked pavement, wet surfaces, or debris, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries through a premises liability claim.
If you or someone you know has experienced a slip and fall accident in a parking lot, knowing the right steps to take immediately afterward is crucial. Taking appropriate actions can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
In this article, our Houston premises liability lawyer outlines essential information regarding slip and fall accidents in parking lots and provides a step-by-step guide on what to do following an incident to protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery.
Texas Law: Businesses and Property Owners May be Liable for Negligence
Under the Texas premises liability laws, negligence occurs when a business or property owner fails to take adequate care. Carelessness or recklessness in regards to parking lot maintenance can lead to a serious slip and fall accident or trip and fall accident. Some of the leading reasons why parking lot fall accidents occur in Southeast Texas include:
- Defective or broken stairs;
- Cracks in the pavement;
- Random debris left unremoved; and
- Wet or icy surface areas.
All parking lot fall accidents require a comprehensive investigation to determine precisely what happened and why it happened. A Houston area property owner can be held legally responsible for a parking lot fall accident if the victim can prove the negligence contributed to their injuries. A Houston, TX premises liability attorney will help secure the evidence needed to prove fault.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in a Parking Lot in Houston
If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident in a parking lot, taking the right steps immediately afterward can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention to ensure they don’t worsen over time.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or business management about the accident. Make sure a formal report is made and get a copy for your records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the location where the accident occurred, particularly focusing on any hazardous conditions, such as wet surfaces, cracks, or debris. These can serve as critical evidence in your claim.
- Collect Witness Information: If there were any bystanders who witnessed your fall, ask for their contact information. Their testimony may help support your case later.
- Save Any Related Documents: Keep a record of all medical expenses, treatment plans, missed workdays, and other documentation related to your injuries. These will help your attorney calculate the damages you’re entitled to recover.
- Consult with a Premises Liability Attorney: Slip and fall cases in parking lots can be complicated. A Houston premises liability attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries.
You Deserve Full Financial Compensation for a Parking Lot Fall Accident
In Texas, parking lot fall accident victims can claim financial relief for economic and intangible damages. Sadly, negligent property owners and their commercial insurance companies never make this easy. A Houston slip and fall accident lawyer can help you maximize your slip and fall settlement after a slip and fall in a parking lot. Compensation may be available for:
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Health care bills and related costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement;
- Disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Two Year Statute of Limitations for Parking Lot Fall Accidents
You have a limited amount of time to take legal action after sustaining a serious injury. Under Texas law (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003), premises liability claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations. If you fail to initiate a parking lot slip and fall accident claim within two years, you will likely lose your right to pursue justice and financial compensation.
Schedule a 100% Free Consultation With a Premises Liability Attorney in Houston, TX
At Kolodny Law Firm, our Texas premises liability lawyers are skilled, passionate advocates for justice. If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a parking lot fall accident, we are here to help you secure full and fair financial compensation.
Call us now or reach out to us through our online contact form for a no-cost consultation. We represent injured victims in Houston, Harris County, and throughout all of Southeast Texas.
Parking Lot Slip and Fall FAQs
What types of injuries are commonly sustained in parking lot slip and fall accidents?
Common injuries from slip and fall accidents in parking lots include sprains, fractures, concussions, and soft tissue injuries. The severity can vary based on the circumstances of the fall and the condition of the parking lot.
How can I prove negligence in a slip and fall accident case?
To prove negligence, you must demonstrate that the property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, leading to your accident. This involves showing evidence such as photos of the hazardous area, witness testimonies, and maintenance records that indicate neglect.
What is the typical timeline for a premises liability claim in Texas?
The timeline can vary based on case complexity, but generally, it involves filing a claim, negotiating with insurance, and potentially going to trial if a settlement isn’t reached. In Texas, you must file your claim within two years of the accident, so it’s essential to act promptly.
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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