TODD E. WEBB, ESQ.
Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Harris County, Texas | Todd E. Webb, Esq.
When you suffer injuries from a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in Harris County, Texas, the medical bills, lost wages, and pain can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, when you need to cover these bills and expenses, a dedicated premises liability lawyer can help.
Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Harris County
Slip and fall accidents happen every day across Harris County, in grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings, apartment complexes, and countless other locations. Although sometimes benign, these accidents can and often do result in serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and head trauma to spinal cord damage and long-term disability.
Texas premises liability law requires property owners to address any issues or adequately warn visitors of the danger, and if they fail to do so, they may face liability for any resulting injuries.
Texas Premises Liability Law
Texas slip and fall cases are covered as a subset of negligence law. The courts distinguish between different categories of visitors on a property, with each receiving different levels of care:
- Invitees, such as customers at a grocery store or shopping mall, are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must inspect for hazards and address them promptly.
- Licensees, such as social guests or service providers, are owed a lesser duty but must still be warned of known hazards.
- Trespassers, people who enter property without permission, are generally owed no duty of care (with exceptions for children).
What You Must Prove in a Harris County Slip and Fall Case
To hold a property owner liable for your slip and fall injury in Harris County, you must establish four key elements:
- There must have been a hazardous condition on the property.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
- The property owner must have failed to repair the hazard or provide adequate warning.
- The injured person must prove that the hazardous condition directly caused their slip and fall accident and resulting injuries.
Harris County Slip and Fall Settlements and Damages
If you successfully pursue a slip and fall claim in Harris County, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, disability, and any “exemplary damages” resulting from gross negligence, fraud, or malice.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
- Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if the injured party is found more than 50% at fault for the accident, they cannot recover damages.
- The property owner may use this rule to argue that you were negligent (for example, that you ignored warning signs or were distracted), and thereby try to avoid liability.
Statute of Limitations in Harris County
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim related to a slip and fall accident. If you miss this deadline, you may forfeit your right to claim compensation entirely.
Important exceptions include the following:
- If the injured person is a minor (under 18), the clock does not start running until their 18th birthday (which gives victims until age 20 to file).
- If you do not discover the injury right away, the "discovery rule" may reset your deadline to the day you find out that you were hurt.
Meet Todd E. Webb, Esq., a Premises Liability Lawyer in Harris County
Todd E. Webb, Esq. is a dedicated premises liability lawyer serving Harris County residents. Whether your injury occurred at a retail location, restaurant, apartment complex, or other commercial property in Harris County, Mr. Webb will work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Mr. Webb brings years of experience and a client-first approach to every case and understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that serious injuries take on you and your family. He will handle all aspects of your slip and fall claim so you can focus on your recovery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Slip and Fall Accidents in Harris County
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Do I have a valid slip and fall claim if I was partially at fault?
Texas's comparative negligence rule means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. -
How much time do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Harris County?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Harris County. If you miss that deadline, you lose the right to pursue compensation. -
Do I need a lawyer for my car wreck claim?
Although you can file a claim without a lawyer, insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts. An experienced car wreck lawyer such as Mr. Webb, can handle your negotiations, conduct thorough investigations, and protect you rights. -
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident?
First, seek medical attention if needed. Then take the following steps:- Report the incident to the property manager or store management.
- Take photos of the hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Keep medical records and receipts for all expenses.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
- Refrain from signing any statements or agreements from the property owner's insurance without speaking to an attorney.
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Do I need to hire an attorney for my slip and fall claim?
Although you are not required to hire a lawyer, having one significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to injury victims, and an experienced slip and fall attorney levels the playing field by investigating the accident thoroughly, building a strong case, and negotiating aggressively on your behalf. -
What types of property can I pursue a claim against?
You can pursue a slip and fall claim against the owner or operator of virtually any property where the hazard existed as a result of negligence, including the following locations:- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Shopping malls and retail stores
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotels and motels
- Apartment complexes and rental homes
- Office buildings
- Movie theaters
- Parking lots
- Public buildings and government properties (with specific notice requirements)
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Will my case go to trial?
Most slip and fall cases settle before trial, as insurance companies often prefer to settle rather than risk a jury verdict. However, if the property owner's insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights before a jury. -
How long does a slip and fall case typically take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle within a few months, whereas others take a year or more. A lawyer can give you a better estimate after reviewing the specific facts of your accident.
Harris County Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb Will Give You Peace of Mind
If you have been injured because of negligence, do not wait. The sooner you reach out, the sooner our legal team can begin investigating your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact a Harris County slip and fall accident lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb today
CALL 832-529-4410 OR COMPLETE OUR ONLINE FORM.
WE ARE LOCATED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.