Common Slip & Fall Hazards in San Antonio

Slips and fall accidents can occur anywhere and can cause serious pain and suffering for the victim as a result. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, slips and falls are even a leading cause of workplace injuries and even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries because of a property owner’s negligence in San Antonio, contact a lawyer today. Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw offer every victim a free case review / initial consultation.

Under the premises liability laws in Texas, property owners are responsible for keeping properties free of dangers to guests. While they are not responsible for every spill, the rules require a certain amount of care. It is important to ensure everyone’s safety, and most slip and fall accidents are 100% preventable.

Common slip and fall hazards in San Antonio include:

• Wet floors
• Slippery surfaces
• Spills
• Uneven flooring
• Unmarked steps
• Unrestrained chords
• Tattered or ripped carpeting
• Upturned rugs
• Fallen merchandise
• Cluttered walkways
• Inadequate lighting
• Stairs without railings

Under Texas law, property owners in San Antonio are responsible for regularly inspecting their properties for any hazards and fixing them immediately. Until the problem is fixed, the hazard should be blocked off such as with roping and signage.

If you are a slip and fall victim because a property owner has failed to fix a problem, or warn you of a hazard, then you are liable to receive compensation for any injuries or damages including but not limited to:

• Compensation for medical bills
• Compensation for physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Compensation for lost wages due to missing work

Experienced slip and fall attorneys in San Antonio, such as those at Carabin Shaw, will help you build your case by proving:

• The owner’s duty of care: If you are licensed to be on the property because you work there, or if you were invited as a guest, then the owner owes you duty of care. That means the property should be safe or the owner should have warned you of any hazards.
• Breaching: The owner breached his or her duty or care by failing to sustain a safe environment or by failing to warn you of a hazard.

There are some situations, however, in which it may be difficult to receive compensation. An attorney can help you determine whether the owner is liable, but you may have a difficult time building a case if you were:

• Trespassing: If you were not invited to the property or licensed to be there, you will have a difficult time filing a successful claim because the owner does not owe you a duty of care.
• Negligent: If the hazardous condition was open and obvious and you could have taken steps to avoid it, you may not be able to file a successful claim.

The property owner may try to prove that you sustained injury as a result of your own negligence. If you have been injured because of a slip and fall, actions you take following the incident can affect your likelihood of a successful case and receiving compensation.

• Acquire medical care for injuries you have sustained. Save copies of any medical bills and reports.
• If you are able, gather evidence of the scene of the accident. Take photos if possible.
• Get contact information of any eyewitnesses to the incident.
• File a report with the manager or property owner.
• Seek help from San Antonio personal injury lawyers.

Do not wait to seek compensation for your injuries. Take a look at Carabin Shaw’s client reviews and call for a free consultation. Call toll free: 800-862-1260. A dedicated member of the team is available to speak with you 24/7. Both English and Spanish-speaking staff are here to help.