AUSTIN SLIP & FALL ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Helping Victims of Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents Seek Justice

If you or a loved one was injured in a preventable fall, and you believe the owner of the property where the fall occurred is responsible, contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC. Our slip and fall accident attorneys in Austin can help you navigate the legal system and seek the full, fair compensation you are owed for your injuries.

Ready for a Free Consultation? Call Our Austin Slip & Fall Lawyers 24/7 at (512) 400-3278.

Quick Navigation:

• Understanding Slip & Fall Accidents
• Common Injuries from Slips, Trips, and Falls
• Immediate Steps After a Slip and Fall Accident
• Determining Liability in Slip & Fall Incidents
• Proving Fault in Slip & Fall Claims
• Seeking Compensation for Slip & Fall Injuries
• The Importance of Legal Representation in Slip & Fall Cases
• Our Track Record: Millions Recovered for Clients

What Is Considered a Slip and Fall Accident?

A slip-and-fall accident, also known as a trip-and-fall accident, is a type of personal injury incident that occurs when an individual slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions on a walking surface. These accidents often happen unexpectedly and can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or head injuries. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in various settings and are typically caused by a combination of factors, including environmental conditions and the actions of those involved.

What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can happen in a wide range of environments, for many different reasons. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for both prevention and legal recourse.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Wet or Slippery Surfaces: One of the most common causes is wet or slippery floors, whether due to spills, rain, ice, or recently cleaned surfaces.
• Uneven or Damaged Flooring: Cracked or uneven flooring, loose tiles, or torn carpets can create tripping hazards.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in indoor or outdoor areas can make it difficult for individuals to see obstacles or hazards in their path.
• Cluttered Walkways: Obstructed or cluttered pathways with objects or debris can lead to trips and falls.
• Inadequate Signage: The absence of warning signs to indicate slippery floors, wet areas, or other hazards can contribute to accidents.
• Loose Cords and Cables: Loose electrical cords or cables across walkways can be a tripping hazard.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and mud can create slippery outdoor conditions that increase the risk of falls.
• Footwear: Wearing inappropriate or poorly maintained footwear can reduce traction and increase the risk of slipping.
• Negligence: Negligence on the part of property owners, business operators, or maintenance personnel in addressing known hazards can lead to slip-and-fall accidents.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Usually Happen?

You can slip, trip or fall in almost any location where people walk or gather. Certain places, however, are more prone to these incidents due to the nature of their environment and activities. These places also tend to become more dangerous when property owners have not done their due diligence to make their property safe.

Typical locations for slip-and-fall accidents:

• Retail Stores: Slip-and-fall accidents frequently occur in stores, supermarkets, and shopping malls due to spills, wet floors, and cluttered aisles.
• Restaurants and Bars: Food and beverage establishments are prone to spills and wet areas, especially in kitchens and dining areas.
• Hotels and Motels: Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in hotel lobbies, hallways, and swimming pool areas.
• Public Walkways: Sidewalks, parking lots, and pedestrian pathways in public areas can become hazardous in adverse weather conditions or due to poor maintenance.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes may have slippery floors in patient rooms, corridors, or common areas.
• Office Buildings: Office spaces can have wet floors in restrooms or kitchen areas, as well as cluttered walkways due to office equipment and cables.
• Construction Sites: Construction sites often have uneven terrain, debris, and hazardous conditions that can lead to falls.
• Residential Properties: Slip-and-fall accidents can happen in and around homes due to maintenance issues like damaged staircases, poorly lit walkways, or icy driveways.

What Are the Most Common Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries?

Far too many people do not survive fall injuries. Many of those who do survive face huge medical bills, time out of work, and a diminished quality of life.

Below are some of the injuries that commonly result from a bad fall:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Ruptured discs
• Joint injuries
• Neck and back sprains and strains
• Lacerations and scarring
• Death

Falls can be deadly to people of any age and even more so for the elderly. Slip, trip, and fall accidents cause fatalities and severe injuries much more often than most people realize. In fact, falls are responsible for more ER visits than any other type of accident. Falls are the leading cause of death among the elderly, as well as a leading cause of traumatic brain injury. A shocking 35% of all brain injuries are caused by falling.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you ever find yourself the victim of a slip and fall or trip and fall accident in Austin, you need to understand what steps you can take to protect your rights and interests.

• Report the Incident: Immediately after the accident, you need to report what happened to the manager or other appropriate employee of the establishment where the incident occurred. Make sure you obtain the name and title of the individual to whom you report the accident. Never admit any fault when filing a report.
• Document Everything: You need to document the accident as thoroughly as possible immediately after it occurs. This includes taking a video or photos of the accident scene itself. In addition, take a video or photos of any injuries you sustained because of the fall. You should also obtain names, contact information, and statements from anyone who witnessed the accident. You might want to consider videoing this information.
• Seek Medical Attention: Depending on the severity of the fall, you may need to go to the hospital directly after the incident. If that is not the case, it is imperative that you see a doctor nonetheless. Not all injuries are immediately recognized, so for the sake of your own health and well-being, you need to be examined by a physician. In addition, a medical evaluation is necessary if you elect to pursue an insurance claim or legal action. This evaluation can be vital evidence in a claim or lawsuit arising from a slip and fall accident.
• Consult with a Slip & Fall Lawyer: Pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be a complicated task. Protect your legal interests by retaining the services of an Austin slip and fall lawyer at Briggle & Polan – especially before you have any discussions with an insurance company representative about your case.

Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident?

When they occur as a result of dangerous property conditions, slip and fall accidents fall under the umbrella of premises liability law. Often, these falls are entirely preventable—caused by lack of proper maintenance or failure of premises owners or operators to respond in a timely manner when a hazardous condition occurs.

Premises owners, as well as their employees, lessees, maintenance staff, and management, have a legal responsibility to keep their properties in a safe condition and not to expose people legally on the premises to an unreasonable danger of falling. Failing in this “duty of care” can be seen as negligence.

Keeping premises free of hazards takes some work. The property needs to be inspected often and any dangerous conditions immediately remedied. While the cleanup or repair is being done, barriers or signs should be placed around the area, warning the public of the potential danger.

How Do You Prove Fault?

In order to prove that the owner of the facility where you tripped and fell is at fault for the injuries you are currently suffering, several elements must be undeniably proven:

• Establishing Liability: As the plaintiff in the case, you will need to prove that the defendant had a duty of care to you.
• Demonstrating Negligence: You will then need to show that the defendant breached this duty of care and that you were harmed as a result of this negligence.
• Quantifying Damages: It must also be proven that you suffered economic and/or non-economic losses as a result of the accident.

A successful claim hinges on proving the above three factors. Working with an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer in Austin is essential when handling a case of this nature.

Seeking Compensation for Slip & Fall Injuries

If you suffered a serious injury as a result of someone else's negligence or carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic losses and other damages.

An Austin slip and fall attorney can assist you in filing the initial claim and negotiating a settlement. If a fair settlement offer is not made, a jury trial may be necessary. Some attorneys avoid trials at all costs; avoid hiring a lawyer who isn't comfortable in the courtroom. The insurance companies know who these lawyers are, and they usually won’t offer adequate compensation when there is no possibility of a trial.

At Briggle & Polan, we aren't afraid to fight for you in court.

To preserve your right to a fair recovery, avoid discussing the details of your accident or injury with any insurance adjuster or company representative. Don’t sign any authorizations or releases and don’t give the adjuster a recorded statement; these are tactics that insurance companies commonly employ to fish for information they can use to diminish the value of your claim—or deny it altogether.

We can handle the insurance company and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Slip & Fall Cases

Slip, trip, and fall accident cases are never easy.

Defendants and their insurers will look long and hard for reasons to pay as little as possible on your claim or even deny it entirely. By having an attorney working for you, you can rest easy knowing a legal professional has your back, that your rights are being protected, and that statutory timelines are being met.

Why You Should Hire an Austin Slip & Fall Attorney:

• Expert Legal Knowledge: Personal injury attorneys specialize in this area of law and have a deep understanding of the legal principles, regulations, and precedents that apply to slip-and-fall cases. They can provide expert guidance on the complex legal aspects of your claim.
• Thorough Investigation: Attorneys have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. They can collect crucial evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and medical documentation, to strengthen your case.
• Accurate Case Valuation: An attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs related to your injuries. This ensures that you seek fair and comprehensive compensation.
• Skilled Negotiation: Experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators. They can engage with insurance companies and the opposing party to negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. They know how to push for maximum compensation and are less likely to accept inadequate offers.
• Strategic Legal Planning: Your attorney will develop a tailored legal strategy for your case, taking into account the specific circumstances and applicable laws. They will work to build a compelling argument in your favor.
• Adherence to Legal Deadlines: Personal injury claims involve strict deadlines and legal procedures that must be followed. Missing a deadline or making a procedural error can jeopardize your case. An attorney can ensure that all requirements are met in a timely and accurate manner.
• Prepared for Trial: If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement, your attorney is prepared to take your case to court. Having a lawyer with trial experience is essential if your claim reaches this stage.
• Maximizing Your Recovery: Attorneys are motivated to secure the best possible outcome for their clients. They are well-versed in tactics that can help maximize your compensation, ensuring you receive the financial support you need to recover fully.
• Contingency Fee Basis: Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement allows individuals who might not have the financial means to hire an attorney upfront to access legal representation.
• Stress Reduction: Dealing with a slip-and-fall accident claim can be emotionally and mentally taxing, especially when you're recovering from injuries. Having an attorney handle the legal aspects can reduce your stress and allow you to focus on your recovery.

A seasoned slip, trip, and fall attorney knows the value of your case and how to overcome the various tactics insurance companies use to save money by low-balling valid claims. Research shows that those with quality legal counsel end up with more money in their pockets, so don't wait to contact a slip and fall lawyer in Austin.

You should bring an attorney on board right away after the accident to allow for a thorough investigation while the evidence is still available and to avoid missing filing deadlines.

Our Track Record: Millions Recovered for Clients

Attorneys Hayden Briggle & Parker Polan are committed to the best results for every client we represent. Our practice is focused on you and your family, as well as on obtaining the results that will allow you to live as comfortably as possible and get all the care and assistance you need in the face of your losses.

Although we are able to settle most slip, trip, and fall cases out of court, we are always ready to take your case to a jury if that’s the only way to get you the amount of money your case is worth.

Need Legal Help? Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC at (512) 400-3278 for a No-Cost Case Evaluation.