In Dallas, Texas, shopping malls are spaces for socializing and shopping, but they can also become the scene of serious accidents. One of the most common and dangerous situations is slips and falls, which can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or a lack of adequate signage. These incidents not only affect people’s physical health but also have significant emotional and financial consequences.
As a slip and fall attorney in Dallas, Nuestro Campeón Javier Perez has knowledge on how to help victims who suffered injuries at shopping centers due to the negligence of owners or managers. In this article, we’ll share key information on how to proceed in the event of such an accident and how to hire the right attorney to protect your rights and seek the compensation you may be entitled to.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip and fall accident occurs when a person loses their balance and falls due to hazardous conditions on a property. In the case of shopping centers, these hazards can include wet floors without signage, loose carpeting, defective stairs, or insufficient lighting. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for more than eight million emergency room visits each year in the United States, making them the leading cause of non-fatal injuries.
It is important to note that shopping center owners have a legal responsibility to maintain their facilities in a safe condition for visitors, as do the owners of each individual business within the center or plaza. If this obligation is not met and someone is injured, they may be held liable for negligence.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall injuries can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering injuries. In Dallas shopping malls, these falls often occur at slippery entrances, on poorly maintained escalators, or in walkways without adequate signage. Common injuries include:
- Bone fractures, especially in the wrists, hips, and ankles, are particularly dangerous in older adults. A hip fracture, for example, may require surgery and intensive rehabilitation.
- Head injuries, including concussions, intracranial hematomas, and traumatic brain injuries. This type of damage can lead to memory loss, mood swings, or even permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or total paralysis. A fall from a heightened position can cause compression or rupture of the spinal cord, with devastating consequences.
- Sprains and muscle strains, while often considered minor injuries, can cause chronic pain or limited mobility.
- Ligament and tendon tears, common in the knees and shoulders, may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
In addition to immediate physical harm, many victims also face secondary effects, such as anxiety, fear of walking in public spaces, or depression, especially if the accident impacts their quality of life or independence. Therefore, it is crucial that a slip and fall lawyer consider not only the visible injuries but also the long-term emotional and psychological impact. Attorney Javier Perez Law understands the full scope of these injuries and fights to ensure that every aspect is compensated appropriately.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you suffer a slip and fall accident in a shopping mall, it is crucial to act quickly and diligently:
- Seek immediate medical attention: even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial that a healthcare professional evaluates you.
- Report the incident: notify the mall staff, or the store if applicable, and request that an accident report be filed.
- Gather evidence: take photographs of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the fall.
- Get witness information: if there are people who witnessed the accident, get their contact information, as they may be able to testify on your behalf.
- Keep medical documentation: keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions related to the treatment of your injuries.
- Consult a slip and fall lawyer: before contacting insurance companies or agreeing to any settlement, seek expert legal advice.
How much time do you have to file a lawsuit?
In Texas, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. This period is known as the “statute of limitations”. If you do not file your claim within this time, you could lose your right to seek compensation.
It is important to act promptly, as gathering evidence and preparing your case takes time. Consulting with a slip and fall attorney as soon as possible will increase your chances of success.
What compensation can you receive?
If you are injured at a shopping center due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Loss of income: if your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
- Pain and suffering: for the physical and emotional impact of the accident
- Punitive damages: in cases where gross negligence on the part of the shopping center is proven.
Every case is unique, so it is essential to have a slip and fall lawyer who can properly assess your situation and fight for the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Why do you need a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
After suffering an accident at a shopping mall, many people are tempted to handle the case themselves, especially if the mall management initially seems cooperative. However, what appears to be a simple process can quickly turn into a complicated legal battle, with insurance companies and the mall’s legal representatives doing everything they can to reduce or deny your claim.
This is where the experience of a slip and fall attorney comes in to protect your rights. An attorney who will represent you firmly and ensure you don’t accept less than you truly deserve. An attorney understands the legal intricacies of these types of cases, including how to prove the establishment’s negligence, how to gather and preserve key evidence, and how to accurately calculate the true value of your damages.
This covers not only medical expenses and lost income, but also the pain and suffering you may have experienced. Furthermore, in more complex cases, such as those involving permanent injury or disability, the support of a professional like Nuestro Campeón, Javier Perez, can make a fundamental difference in the outcome.
How to choose the right lawyer?
When looking for a slip and fall lawyer in Dallas, consider the following factors:
- Experience: make sure the lawyer has a proven track record in similar cases.
- Specialization: select a professional who focuses on personal injuries and, specifically, slips and falls.
- Communication: it is vital that the lawyer keeps you informed and answers your questions.
- Fees: many lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case.
Javier Perez, Nuestro Campeón, is a lawyer with countless defenses of this type of case under his belt. He meets all these criteria and is ready to help you on your path to justice.
When you need him most, Javier Perez, slip and fall lawyer, is there for you
Suffering a slip and fall accident at a shopping mall can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In addition to physical pain, victims face financial and emotional worries. With Javier Perez, Nuestro Campeón, slip and fall attorney, we understand the magnitude of these challenges and are committed to providing you with the legal support you need.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident like this in Dallas, don’t face this situation alone. Contact us today by calling 214-499-0667 or emailing [email protected]. Let us be your ally in the pursuit of justice and compensation with a free initial case evaluation, which you can obtain by filling out an online form.
*The information contained on this page does not create, nor is it intended to create, and attorney-client relationship, and its receipt or viewing does not constitute one. The results mentioned are unique to each case and do not guarantee similar results in other cases.