Austin Slip and Fall Lawyer
Hire a trusted Austin slip and fall law firm to help you or your loved one after you’ve suffered injuries from slipping and falling caused by other people’s negligent conduct. Call 361-400-2036 now for urgent assistance.
Based in Corpus Christi, The Patel Firm believes that anyone injured deserves quality legal representation in seeking compensation and justice. Feel free to read the verified testimonials of our satisfied clients in Austin and across Texas or browse through our five-star reviews on Google.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose The Patel Firm?
- About Slip and Falls in Austin
- Where Do Slips and Falls Occur?
- Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
- Types of Damages and Compensation From Slip and Fall Lawsuits
- Role of a Specialized Attorney
- Working with a Local Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Call An Austin-Based Slip and Fall Lawyer Now
Why Choose The Patel Firm?
The Patel Firm is comprised of real people who are genuine, passionate and knowledgeable about what we do. We are approachable and are truly dedicated to our clients. Our personalized approach to providing legal solutions yields successful results and a high return rate from our clientele.
The firm’s president and principal attorney, Minesh J. Patel, has represented countless injury victims in various cases, including commercial trucking accidents, workplace accidents, oilfield accidents, insurance disputes, and premise liability accidents.
Over the course of his career, Minesh and his legal team have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys in America, and has been recognized as one of the 40 best under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association.
Our tireless work ethic quickly becomes evident after you become our client. We are committed to your case, and we do not cut corners.
How Much Do We Charge: We understand the financial strain that a slip and fall can bring, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay no upfront fees, and we only receive payment if we successfully secure compensation on their behalf.
Contact Us Now: We work hard, communicate often, and the results speak for themselves. If you or a loved one are seeking the assistance of an attorney after a slip and fall accident, contact us at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form. We are always ready and willing to take your call.
How Can We Help in A Slip and Fall Case?
At The Patel Firm, our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to our clients who have suffered injuries from a slip and fall. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that can arise from such incidents, and we are committed to bringing justice to our clients’ causes.
Legal Expertise
Our team of skilled slip and fall attorneys has a deep understanding of the complexities of personal injury law. We leverage our decades’ worth of experience to guide our clients through the entire process, ensuring that their rights are protected and their concerns are properly addressed.
Case Assessment and Strategy
We conduct thorough case assessments to understand the unique circumstances of each slip and fall case. By developing a customized legal strategy for each client, we strive to achieve the most favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Communication and Support
We prioritize clear and open communication with our clients, keeping them informed at every stage of their case. Our team provides compassionate support, offering empathy and reassurance throughout the legal proceedings.
Maximum Compensation
We have successfully resolved countless matters and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
No Risk Guarantee
Our fee structure is simple: if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. We never charge a fee unless we win or settle your matter. We also never charge during our initial consultation. It’s always free to see if you have a case.
About Slip and Falls in Austin
Austin, Texas, known for its vibrant culture and thriving tech industry, has a significant problem with slip and fall accidents. The city’s unique blend of historic architecture, modern development, and natural beauty creates a landscape that can be visually striking but also potentially treacherous.
Uneven sidewalks, crumbling steps, poorly maintained handrails, and construction zones contribute to an increased risk of these incidents in the urban environment. Meanwhile, the city’s parks and green spaces can harbor hidden dangers such as slippery rocks, loose gravel, and exposed tree roots.
Weather conditions in Austin also play a role. The city’s hot and humid summers can lead to slick, sweaty conditions indoors, while heavy rain and flash flooding create slippery outdoor surfaces.
Even rare ice and snow events can be hazardous, as residents may be unfamiliar with navigating such conditions, and property owners may be unprepared to properly treat and clear their sidewalks and parking lots.
The consequences of slip and fall accidents can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to serious ones like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. These incidents can result in substantial financial burdens, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
Where Do Slips and Falls Occur?
According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits, representing the leading cause of visits (21.3%). Slips and falls account for over 1 million visits, or 12% of total falls.
Some of the common areas for this type of incident include:
Construction Sites: Debris, uneven surfaces, and exposed wiring can pose significant risks to workers and visitors alike.
Grocery Stores: Slippery substances like spilled liquids or fallen produce can create hazardous conditions for shoppers.
Hotels: Wet surfaces, loose carpeting on stairs, and poorly lit walkways can contribute to an accident.
Nursing Homes: Wet floors, poor lighting, and lack of proper assistance can lead to slip and fall incidents among elderly residents.
Office Buildings: Freshly waxed floors, loose cords, and spills can lead to serious injuries in the workplace.
Parking Lots: Uneven pavement, potholes, crumbling curbs, and ice or snow can pose risks to pedestrians.
Public Parks: Hidden tree roots, slippery rocks, and improperly maintained playgrounds can cause slip and fall accidents.
Residential Spaces: Cluttered floors, loose rugs, and slippery surfaces can contribute to accidents in homes and apartments.
Restaurants: Wet floors, spilled drinks or food, and loose floorboards or torn carpet can result in sudden falls.
Retail Stores: Slippery floors and precariously stacked merchandise can create hazards for customers.
Sidewalks: Uneven pavement, cracked or broken concrete, and snow or ice can turn a simple stroll into a painful incident.
Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents
The common injuries in slip and fall accidents are:
Broken Bones: The sudden impact of a slip and fall accident can lead to fractured or broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, hips, and ankles.
Concussions: When a person’s head strikes a hard surface during a fall, they may suffer a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury that can lead to long-term cognitive impairments.
Cuts and Lacerations: Sharp edges, rough surfaces, or broken objects encountered during a fall can cause cuts and lacerations. These can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that require stitches or even reconstructive surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Slip and fall accidents can result in sprains, strains, and tears to the soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These may cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, a slip and fall accident can lead to damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
Neck Injuries: The sudden, jarring motion of a fall can cause whiplash or other neck injuries, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): More severe than concussions, TBIs can occur when a fall results in a strong blow to the head or a penetrating head injury. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes and may require lifelong medical care and support.
According to Gitnux, an independent market research platform, the typical amount of compensation awarded for slip and fall injuries in Texas falls within the range of $15,000 to $50,000.
Factors such as the severity of the injury, the extent of medical expenses incurred, and the impact of the incident on the individual’s life will likely contribute to the specific amount awarded in each case.
It’s best to consult with an experienced slip and fall attorney to learn how to maximize your compensation.
Types of Damages and Compensation From Slip and Fall Lawsuits
When it comes to personal injury cases in Austin, two crucial elements form the foundation of every claim: liability and damages. Liability refers to the legal responsibility of the person or party who caused the slip and fall injury, holding them accountable for the resulting consequences.
Damages, on the other hand, serve as the basis for the monetary compensation that the injured party seeks to remedy the harm they have suffered.
While no financial amount can truly undo the pain and suffering caused by a slip and fall accident, it is the closest possible means of addressing the injury-related expenses and losses incurred by the victim.
Here are the types of compensation that you can recover:
Punitive Damages
When a slip and fall accident is caused by someone acting with deliberate disregard for the victim’s safety, the court may award punitive damages. Also known as exemplary damages, these are typically reserved for high-dollar cases involving severe injuries such as traumatic brain damage or paralysis.
Punitive damages are not part of personal injury settlements; instead, courts use them to deter the at-fault party and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse the injured party for their losses, come in two forms: special (economic) and general (non-economic).
Special damages have a pre-determined value and include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages and Income
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Property Damage
General damages, while more challenging to quantify, are the natural consequences of the at-fault party’s negligence. These may include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Disfigurement or Scarring
- Physical Impairment or Disability
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium
By understanding the types of damages available and the evidence required to prove them, slip and fall victims can work with experienced personal injury attorneys to secure the compensation they deserve.
Role of a Specialized Attorney
Slip and fall accidents can be incredibly complex legal matters, requiring a deep understanding of premises liability laws and the ability to navigate the intricacies of establishing negligence.
To determine liability, it is essential to demonstrate that the property owner breached their duty of care, which directly resulted in the victim’s injuries.
This requires a comprehensive analysis of the property owner’s actions or inactions, including their adherence to regular inspection schedules, the adequacy of their maintenance and cleaning practices, and their responsiveness to known hazards.
The presence of warning signs, the duration of the hazardous condition, and the reasonableness of the property owner’s efforts to mitigate risks all play a crucial role in proving negligence.
Further complicating matters is the involvement of insurance companies, which often seek to minimize their financial exposure by contesting the legitimacy of claims or downplaying the extent of the victim’s injuries.
Thus, the importance of retaining a skilled and experienced slip and fall attorney cannot be overstated. They possess a deep understanding of premises liability law, enabling them to expertly handle evidence collection, liability assessment, and legal argumentation.
Working with a Local Slip and Fall Lawyer
Statute of Limitations
Texas adheres to a Statute of Limitations, mandating the filing of a case within two (2) years of the initial injury. If you fail to bring a claim within this timeframe, it can result in the forfeiture of your right to pursue it.
Notably, the two-year limit is not the sole consideration. Different rules apply if a state or local government is implicated in the injury. For instance, in Austin, a notice must be provided within 45 days if the injury was caused by the city government’s employee, vehicle or equipment.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Failing to exercise the degree of care expected of someone in order to minimize the risk of harm to another is considered “negligence,” the legal basis for many accidental deaths or injury cases.
Texas employs the modified comparative negligence rule to determine liabilities. This rule allocates damages based on each party’s degree of fault. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the injury, your damages can be reduced.
However, if you’re the plaintiff in a lawsuit (the person wronged or injured), you may not recover damages if your percentage of fault is found to be greater than 50%.
With all the necessary deadlines and requirements, it’s best to hire the services of a seasoned slip and fall attorney in Austin to untangle all the legal technicalities associated with your lawsuit.
Call An Austin-Based Slip and Fall Lawyer Now
Contact an experienced Austin slip and fall lawyer to expertly handle your case. The Patel Firm focuses on providing legal guidance and utmost care during unthinkable tragedies, empowering clients with efficient legal solutions.
We understand that negotiating with insurance companies, understanding legal complexities, and investing significant time and resources all contribute to the overwhelming nature of handling a slip and fall case – but we’re here to help.
With our vast resources and a determined team of skilled attorneys, we’ll be able to strongly advocate for your rights. We believe in safeguarding the community, and so, we dedicate our practice to helping slip and fall victims to seek the maximum compensation,
Contact us at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation, or send us a message through our secure and confidential online form. We are always ready to take your call.
The Patel Firm Austin Car Accident Lawyer
611 S Congress Ave Suite 215D
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 887-1447
