Don’t Let a Slip and Fall Ruin Your Life: Let Us Help You
You’re out shopping or picking up some groceries in the Dallas metro area, or you’ve gone to a party. There’s crack in the pavement or sidewalk, or the steps give way. Maybe there’s water, oil or food on the floor. You slip and fall, and it’s obvious your injuries are significant. Maybe a broken bone, a wrenched back or even a whiplash-type injury. You need an experienced and proven attorney to protect your rights, so that you get full and fair compensation for all your losses. Bailey & Galyen can help.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have aggressively fought for the rights of personal injury victims across the state of Texas for more than four decades. Over the last 40+ years, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for people who have been hurt someone else failed to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety. We understand that the keys to a successful outcome are hard work, dedication and a commitment to listen, so that we have a clear idea of your needs. We strive to be available and accessible whenever you have questions or concerns.
We offer a free initial consultation to anyone who has been injured in a slip, trip or fall in the greater Dallas area. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Dallas slip and fall attorney, contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 972-449-1241.
The Slip and Fall Laws in Texas
In Texas, as in all states, the owner or person in control of property has a duty to anyone legally on the premises to take reasonable steps to minimize the risk of injury. The duty owed to the visitor varies, based on that person’s legal “status.”
The highest duty is owed to someone who is considered an “invitee,” who enters the property for a legitimate business purpose (such as a customer who comes on the premises to purchase goods or services). With respect to invitees, the owner must:
- Inspect the premises on a regular basis and take reasonable steps to eliminate unnecessary risks
- Warn of any unreasonable risks that the owner knew or should have known were on the premises
All other persons legally on the premises are considered to be “licensees.” The owner owes licensees the duty to warn about known conditions and to use ordinary care to fix any safety risks.
A person who comes on the property without permission or invitation is deemed a trespasser. The property owner owes no duty to trespassers, other than to refrain from intentionally, wantonly or recklessly causing them injury. A property owner may also be liable for injuries suffered by a child trespasser, if the property contains what the law considers to be an “attractive nuisance,” such as a swimming pool.
Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can take a variety of forms, including :
- Falls outside because of wet, icy or snowy surfaces, because of dangerous or defective sidewalks, driveways, parking lots or ramps, or other thoroughfares
- Accidents caused by broken floor tile, torn carpet or linoleum, defective or improperly installed flooring or carelessly anchored rugs or throws
- Accidents caused by foreign substances on the floor, such as food, liquids, oils or debris
- Broken, dangerous or defective steps, stairs, banisters, railings, ramps, decks, landings or platforms
- Inadequate lighting on stairs or along sidewalks or walkways
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Dallas, Texas
The most common cause of slip and fall accidents in Dallas is inattention or failure to monitor by property owners or those in control of property, such as landlords, tenants or property managers. The failure to regularly inspect can lead to:
- Loose floorboards
- Debris or slippery substances on the floor
- Potholes or cracks in sidewalks, driveways and parking areas
- Bulging or loose carpet
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents in Dallas
The types of injuries suffered in a slip and fall can range from soft-tissue trauma, such as contusions or lacerations to serious and catastrophic loss, including broken bones, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, paralysis, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and amputation or loss of limb. In some instances, a slip and fall may even be fatal.
Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident?
The owner of the property and anyone who has the authority or ability to monitor and manage the property can be held accountable for injuries sustained in a slip and fall. That includes a landlord or tenant, as well as property managers.
What Damages Are Available for a Slip and Fall Accident?
You have the right to seek compensation for all losses resulting from your slip and fall, including :
- Wages or income
- Any physical or mental pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Unreimbursed medical expenses incurred because of the slip and fall
- The loss of companionship or consortium resulting from your injuries
- Your loss of enjoyment of life (the ability to engage in ordinary activities of daily life or to do those things that brought you fulfillment before the accident)
- Any property loss or damages caused by the accident
The Steps to Take after a Slip and Fall Accident in Dallas, Texas
After a slip and fall, you should initially focus on your health. Determine whether you can move about under your own power. If not, or if you have injuries to your head, neck or spinal cord, stay where you are until emergency medical personnel arrive, and defer to their expertise. Be willing to travel to the hospital by ambulance, if necessary. Even if you can walk away from the slip and fall, immediately seek medical attention, either at a hospital emergency room, an urgent care facility or your primary care physician.
If possible, gather contact information from the property owner or manager, as well as any witnesses, and take pictures of anything related to your accident, from the conditions of the property to your injuries.
The Benefits of Hiring a Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Dallas, Texas
The experienced Dallas slip and fall attorneys at Bailey & Galyen will:
- Carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case to prepare and present the most compelling arguments for your full financial recovery
- Be your liaison with insurance companies to recover maximum benefits under any applicable policy
- Evaluate your case, and accurately and swiftly determine whether it’s in your best interests to pursue a settlement or take your case to trial
- Gather, evaluate and preserve all relevant evidence
- Retain and prepare any expert witnesses to support your claim
- Prepare and file all documents required by the court or as a part of the legal process
- Be your advocate in all meetings, proceedings and hearings
Speak with Our Experienced Dallas Slip and Fall Attorneys Today!
Take the first step today to get full and fair compensation after a slip and fall accident. Contact Bailey & Galyen online or call our offices at 972-449-1241 or send us an email. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are happy to meet with you evenings or weekends, if necessary, and can travel for an appointment, upon request.
To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your slip and fall claim, call our offices at 972-449-1241 or contact us by e-mail. We handle all slip, trip and fall claims on a contingency basis. We will only charge attorney fees if we recover compensation for your losses.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Dallas Office
2777 North Stemmons Freeway, Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-449-1241
