We all go about our days trusting that the architects who designed the walkways and stairwells we climb did so safely, that the builders who built the buildings we enter followed the plans and did not take short cuts, and that the managers and operators of the businesses we patronize took care of their establishments and did not allow things to fall into disrepair. However, it is all too often the case that a dangerous condition in a parking lot, supermarket, stairway, or some other facility is allowed to arise and remain, and you—an innocent passerby—are the one who suffers the consequences. Falls can lead to significant bruising, disfigurement, lacerations, muscle strains, muscle sprains, bone fractures, and they can even yield life altering injuries like concussions or other traumatic brain injuries.
If you have found your way to this page, it is likely you or a loved one has suffered such a fall. An Irving personal injury lawyer can provide you invaluable insight into your circumstance and your case. Further, here at Glenn Law Firm, we do not charge a fee for initial consultations, so there is no reason not to call in and have a personal injury attorney give you an idea of your options.
The Legal Case For Slip and Fall Cases (Trip and Fall Cases)
Generally, slip and fall cases (sometimes also known as trip and fall cases) fall into the category of negligence cases, specifically premises liability cases. The level of care that another party owes you while you are on their property depends on what classification of entrant onto that property you are. These fall into three main categories: invitee; licensee; trespasser.
Discerning which of these categories you fell into at the time of your injury can be somewhat nuanced, so it is best to speak with a slip and fall attorney before jumping to any conclusions. However, as a general rule of thumb, when you are on another's property for the purpose of their business (i.e., a shopper shopping in a supermarket), then you are an invitee. Invitees are owed the highest duty of care under Texas law. If you are at a friend's house for a social visit, you are likely considered a licensee. Licensees are owed a lesser duty of care than invitees, but property owners and occupiers do still have some obligations towards the licensees. Finally, trespassers are owed the lowest duty, but this is not necessarily non-existent—especially if the trespassers and the dangerous condition are known to the owner or occupier of the property. Again, understanding exactly what classification of entrant onto another's property you were at the time of your injury is essential to understanding the viability of your trip and fall lawsuit. That's why we highly recommend you contact a trip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.
Damages In Slip and Fall Cases (Trip and Fall Cases)
Texas also allows for comparative fault to be considered. See Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33. This permits a court or jury to reduce the damages you are owed by the percentage that is deemed to be your fault. So, for example, if you are determined to be 40% responsible for your own injury, this could mean you lose close to half of the damages you are owed. An Irving slip and fall lawyer can be effective in helping you make sure that your story is told as clearly and cleanly as possible so that you are able to achieve the compensation to which you are entitled as a result of another's negligence, recklessness, or downright indifference.
Call Glenn Law Firm For A Free Consultation
As stated above, Glenn Law Firm does not charge potential new clients for a consultation fee. In fact, we work almost exclusively on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not collect a fee unless we secure a recovery for you. An experienced Irving personal injury lawyer would be happy to speak with you and provide you a free case analysis. Please call us at (817) 424-5999, or fill out the online submission form on this website. We look forward to fighting for you!