Slip and fall accidents can cause major injuries, including broken ribs. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of such an injury, you might be wondering whether you can pursue legal action. The good news is that, in many cases, you can indeed sue.
Know Your Rights
Broken ribs are painful and tend to limit your ability to do everyday activities. You might need medical care, physical therapy, and time away from work, all of which can quickly rack up the costs related to your injury. However, if you were hurt by someone else’s reckless behavior, you might have the right to sue them and recoup these costs.
In Texas, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for visitors. This means that they need to remove or fix hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly lit areas or, at the very least, warn people about them. If they don't do so, property owners can be held liable if anyone gets hurt.
A qualified slip and fall attorney can help you understand the specifics of your case and whether you have grounds for a lawsuit. They can also help you through every step of the process to ensure you fully exercise your rights.
Proving Liability
One of the most important factors in any personal injury case is proving liability. Simply suffering an injury isn’t enough. You need to be able to show that the property owner acted in a careless way that caused both your fall and injuries.
Proving liability involves showing that the property owner:
- Had a duty of care to maintain a safe environment
- Breached that duty by not correcting or warning about dangerous conditions
- Directly caused you to get hurt through this breach of duty
Your lawyer will know how to gather the evidence that best supports your claim.
The Role of Medical Evidence
Medical evidence often plays a critical role in all personal injury lawsuits. After your accident, it’s important to have your injuries checked as quickly as possible. Besides being essential for your health, doing so can also provide the documentation you need to prove the extent of your injuries.
X-rays, hospital records, and doctors’ notes can all serve as strong evidence. They help establish the severity of the injury and link it directly to your accident. This proof can also aid your attorney in determining the payment you’re entitled to.
Additionally, ongoing treatment can show how your injury will likely continue to affect your life in the long term. Your slip and fall lawyer can work closely with hospital workers and specialists to make sure this evidence is clearly presented during negotiations.
Establishing Negligence
To win a lawsuit, you also need to prove negligence. Doing so means showing that the property owner or manager didn’t take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their visitors. This can be established in several ways, such as:
- The owner knew the dangerous condition was there and didn’t fix it
- Visible warnings weren’t put in place for temporary hazards
- The property was poorly maintained
Your attorney can look over all the facts of your case to figure out how to best demonstrate negligent behavior on the part of the property owner. They might also work with experts in premises liability to strengthen your claim.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Claim?
The exact damages you’re entitled to will vary depending on your situation, but most victims can file for compensation for:
- Hospital and therapy costs, both current and future
- Lost wages
- Potential earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage, if your personal property was damaged or destroyed
Your legal counsel can help you understand the full scope of the damages that apply to your case.
Steps to Take After an Accident in Texas
If you’ve suffered broken ribs in a slip and fall, there are certain steps you can take to protect both your health and rights.
First, make sure to seek medical care. Your health is the top priority. Even if your symptoms seem mild, you need the documentation to prove your case if you choose to file a lawsuit later.
You’ll also want to report the incident to the property owner or manager. Get a copy of the written report, as it can also serve as evidence in the future. Take photos and videos of the scene if you can, as well as notes of the conditions that led to your fall. Getting contact information from any witnesses is also important.
Finally, make sure to contact an attorney. A slip and fall attorney can make sure your case is handled properly from the very beginning, and having strong counsel in your corner can improve your chances of winning your case.
FAQ
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the day of the accident. However, there are exceptions, so it’s important to act quickly and talk to a lawyer to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect?
Your exact amount of compensation will depend on the details of your case, such as the severity of your injuries and what caused your injuries. An attorney can accurately estimate your potential compensation.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer to Handle My Case?
Yes. While it is legal to handle a case on your own, an attorney can make sure every step is taken correctly and no detail is overlooked.
Get Legal Help From a Trusted Houston Attorney
If you’ve suffered broken ribs in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to valuable compensation. The seasoned team at Ramsey Law Group has over 25 years of proven success fighting for Houston accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation.