Austin Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall accident can alter your life in an instant. Serious injuries, rising medical expenses, and time lost from work often result. Minesh Patel is a dedicated advocate who has obtained millions of dollars for injured Texans. Our team at The Patel Firm combines courtroom expertise with genuine compassion.
We handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Our team understands local laws, the tactics insurance companies use, and the unique hazards present in Austin’s homes, businesses, and public spaces. Call us at (512) 887-1447 for a free consultation.
Do You Have a Case?
Determining if you have a slip and fall claim often comes down to a few key factors. First, where the fall occurred matters. Downtown sidewalks, UT campus buildings, restaurants along South Congress, or parking lots off I-35 may each involve different legal rules.
Second, how the injury happened is important. Was it a wet floor, broken step, poor lighting, or debris? Third, make sure the incident was reported to the property owner or manager, and that you have documentation like an incident report or photos.
Texas law allows two years from the date of injury to file a claim. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault.
Who’s Responsible in Austin Slip and Fall Cases?
Liability for a slip and fall usually rests on the person or entity that controlled the property where the injury occurred. This may include property owners, landlords, tenants, business operators, contractors, or even municipalities.
In Texas, the duty owed to you depends on whether you were an invitee (such as a customer), a licensee (like a social guest), or a trespasser. Property owners must address hazards they know about or should reasonably know about. This is called actual or constructive notice.
For example, if you slipped on a cracked sidewalk along I-35 maintained by the city, you may need to file a claim against a government entity, which has its own strict deadlines and procedures.
Texas Rules That Affect Your Payout
The statute of limitations for slip and fall cases in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline generally means losing your right to seek compensation.
Texas also follows the modified comparative negligence rule, sometimes called the 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more, you are barred from recovery entirely.
This is why the Austin slip and fall attorneys at The Patel Firm focus on building strong evidence early to counter attempts by insurers to shift blame onto you.
What Your Claim Could Be Worth
Compensation in a slip and fall case covers both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of future care. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment in life.
The value of your case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, whether they are permanent, and the available insurance coverage. In Austin, ER visits for fall-related injuries often run into thousands of dollars, and long-term rehabilitation can multiply those costs.
Minesh Patel uses medical records, wage documentation, and expert testimony to establish the full scope of your losses.
Common Austin Slip and Fall Scenarios We Handle
The Austin premises liability attorneys at The Patel Firm regularly handle slip and fall cases in:
- Retail and grocery stores (spills, tracked rainwater)
- Apartments and condos (broken stairs, poor lighting)
- Restaurants and patios (spilled drinks, uneven flooring)
- Parking lots and sidewalks (potholes, cracked pavement)
- Hospitals and nursing homes (unattended hazards, wet floors)
- Event venues (crowded areas, unsafe temporary flooring)
We also see uncommon hazards, such as:
- A slip in a food-truck line at Zilker Park during ACL Fest
- Falls during SXSW caused by overcrowded temporary stages
- Slipping at Barton Springs Pool due to algae growth
- Trips in newly-built high-rise lobbies with construction debris
- Falls in rideshare pickup zones at ABIA caused by uneven pavement
Evidence That Wins These Cases
Strong evidence is the backbone of a successful slip and fall claim. This often includes photos or video of the hazard, maintenance logs, witness statements, incident reports, and your medical records.
In many cases, the premises liability lawyers at The Patel Firm send a spoliation letter to property owners to prevent the destruction of surveillance footage. This proactive step can make the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement.
What to Do Right Now (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve just suffered a fall, your first step is to get medical care even if you feel fine. Many injuries, like concussions or soft-tissue damage, don’t appear immediately.
Report the incident to the property owner or manager and ask for a copy of the report. Take clear photos of the hazard and your injuries. Gather contact information for any witnesses.
Finally, call Minesh Patel at The Patel Firm before speaking to any insurance adjuster. We handle communications to protect you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
Our Process
Our process begins with a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your fall. We collect evidence, interview witnesses, and consult experts in premises safety and medicine.
Once we’ve established liability and damages, we prepare a demand package for the insurance company. If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to file suit and take your case to trial.
From day one, our goal is to secure maximum compensation in the shortest possible time without compromising your rights.
Injuries We Commonly See
The Austin slip and fall attorneys at our firm often represent clients with:
- Hip fractures requiring surgery
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
- Knee and shoulder injuries such as ligament tears
- Severe soft-tissue damage requiring extended rehab
These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, long recovery times, and permanent limitations. All factors that increase the potential value of your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do I have to file?
Two years from the date of your accident under Texas law.
Can I recover if I’m partly at fault?
Yes, if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Who pays my bills now?
Options may include PIP coverage, MedPay, health insurance, or a letter of protection through our office.
What if the hazard was temporary?
We must show the property owner knew or should have known about it in time to fix it.
Will I owe you if we don’t win?
No. We only get paid if you do.
What if my fall happened at work?
You may have a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party premises liability claim, or both.
Why Hire Us
Attorney Minesh Patel has built a reputation for aggressive representation and compassionate client care. Our team is familiar with local venues, insurers, and court procedures in Travis County.
We’ve handled cases involving Austin landmarks, from busy South Congress restaurants to high-traffic shopping centers near Mopac. This local insight allows us to anticipate defenses and uncover evidence others might overlook.
You owe nothing unless we win, and we are available 24/7 to start protecting your rights.
“The attorneys and staff at the Patel Firm helped me with a recent slip and fall accident I was involved in. They exceeded my expectations and handled everything on my behalf. Absolutely grateful for their knowledge and attention, will definitely recommend to friends and family!” – Joselin F.
Local Commitment and Contact
We proudly serve clients throughout Austin and surrounding areas, including Riverside, Mueller, UT Campus, and the I-35 corridor. From our Austin office, we can quickly reach clients in need, and our local presence means we understand the unique hazards of our community.
Call (512) 887-1447 or complete our contact form today. We’ll start preserving evidence right away so you can focus on recovery.
