Unfortunately, a slip and fall injury can occur anywhere, from the sidewalk of a residential neighborhood to the aisles at your local supermarket. It’s imperative to understand that there are steps that property owners can take to ensure their premises are safe and reduce the risk of injury for those on their property. Unfortunately, however, you may find that you are still a victim of a slip and fall as a result. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores the steps that property owners must take to keep their premises safe and the importance of working with a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer to help you navigate these complex times.
What Legal Duties Do Property Owners in Texas Have to Prevent Injuries?
In Texas, property owners have a general responsibility to prevent injuries on their property. Most commonly, these are slips and falls. Typically, you’ll find that there are two primary classes of guests on a property. The first is an invitee, which mutually benefits the visitor and the property owner, like a customer in a store. Property owners owe these individuals the highest duty of care and must regularly inspect the property for hazards and make repairs as necessary. Licencees, on the other hand, are people on the property for social purposes, like a guest visiting your home. As such, you do not have to inspect the property, but must warn guests of any hazards that are not readily visible.
As such, taking the necessary measures to ensure that your premises are safe for those on the property is critical. For homeowners, this generally entails ensuring that your sidewalks and walkways are clear of debris and hazards, while ensuring that any attractive nuisances are secured and the dangers associated with them are mitigated.
Retail and commercial property owners generally have more steps they must take to best protect their property. This is because, as mentioned, they owe a higher duty of care to invitees. As such, it’s critical to ensure that the premises are not only free of hazards like cords and wires, unanchored carpeting, or loose floorboards, but also that staff are properly trained on how to handle any issues that arise. For example, all staff should know how to respond to and remedy hazards like spills, inadequate lighting, and broken handrails, among others.
If I’m Hurt, What Can I Do?
Despite the fact that property owners should take the necessary steps to ensure their premises are free from hazards, injuries can still happen, so understanding the steps you need to take to protect yourself and recover the compensation you deserve is vital. Generally, the most important thing you can do is inform the appropriate party of the injury, whether it be a store manager or the police, and receive medical attention for the injuries you’ve suffered. This ensures that the injuries are documented and you’ve sought care.
If you are hurt on another person’s property due to the negligence of the property owner, it is imperative to connect with an experienced attorney to help guide you through these overwhelming matters. At the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, our team understands how difficult it can be to fight for the compensation you deserve while recovering from an injury. That is why we will do everything in our power to help you through these complicated times. Contact us today to learn how we can best represent you.
