Slippery and unsafe flooring is a significant cause of falls and severe injuries in Houston and across the country. These types of accidents result in countless emergency room visits each year and are a common basis for injury claims.

Slip, fall, and trip lawsuits fall within an area of law called premises liability. Under these regulations, landowners and those responsible for the upkeep of a property have a legal obligation to keep the area safe for guests or customers. Schedule a meeting with a seasoned lawyer to discuss the common causes of slip and falls in Houston.

Many Circumstances Can Lead to Slip and Falls

A vast range of circumstances can lead to unsafe walking conditions. In Houston, some of the most common causes of slip and falls include:

  • Liquid spills
  • Loose floorboards
  • Loose or bulging carpeting
  • Uneven flooring or sidewalks
  • Rain and ice tracked in from outside
  • Exposed wiring, clutter, or other tripping hazards
  • Parking lot and sidewalk defects, including potholes or cracks

While anyone is vulnerable to getting hurt in these types of accidents, adults 65 and older are particularly at risk of experiencing severe harm.

Trips and Falls Can Lead to Severe Injuries

Some of the most common injuries that result from slip, fall, and trip accidents include:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of older adults sustain injuries and slip and fall accidents. These incidents are the most significant cause of moderate to severe brain injuries leading to permanent disabilities. A Houston lawyer knowledgeable about common slip and fall causes could answer specific questions and what legal options are available to injured individuals.

How the Type of Visitor Affects Slip and Fall Claims

The reason why someone is on a property at the time they slip and fall plays a substantial role in the ability to recover damages in civil court. An invitee enters a property for business purposes, and the owner owes the highest duty of care to keep the property safe for visitors in this category. A licensee enters a property for social reasons, and the person responsible for property upkeep owes licensees the second highest legal obligation. An owner does not have a legal responsibility toward trespassers entering the property without permission. A Houston attorney could further explain how the distinction between common visitor types affects whether there is cause for legal action over a slip and fall.

Deadlines to File a Lawsuit

The statute of limitations governs the maximum time frame to file a lawsuit to recover compensation in slip and fall cases. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, an injured person must file a claim within two years of the accident. For cases involving children, this time does not start running until the party turns 18. Further, if the defendant leaves Texas before the plaintiff commences legal action, the clock will begin running when they return to the state.

Call a Houston Attorney to Learn More About Common Causes of Slip and Falls

Falling and getting hurt because of someone else’s negligence can have lasting implications on your life and future. Personal injury and premises liability laws give injured parties the right to seek compensation to cover these losses, ensuring they have the financial support to move forward.

A lawyer who understands the common causes of slip and falls in Houston could help you prove a property owner’s liability and collect a fair settlement amount. Call KGS Law Group to schedule a meeting and review your case.