In Dallas, Texas, malls are places for socializing and shopping, but they can also become the scene of serious accidents. One of the most common and dangerous situations is a slip-and-fall accident, which can happen due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage. These incidents not only affect people’s physical health but also have significant emotional and financial consequences.
As a slip-and-fall lawyer in Dallas, Javier Perez, “Nuestro Campeón,” has represented numerous victims who have suffered injuries in malls due to the negligence of owners or administrators. Here, we’ll share key information on how to act after such an accident and how to hire the right lawyer 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 happens when a person loses their balance and falls due to dangerous conditions on a property. In malls, these dangers can include wet floors without signage, loose carpets, defective stairs, or insufficient lighting. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls account for over eight million emergency room visits each year in the United States, making them the leading cause of non-fatal injuries.
It’s important to note that mall owners, as well as the managers of each store within the mall or plaza, have a legal responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors. If they fail to meet this obligation and a person is injured, they can be held liable for negligence.
Common Injuries in Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Injuries from slip-and-fall accidents can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering damage. In Dallas malls, these falls often occur on slippery entrances, poorly maintained escalators, or corridors without proper signage. The most common injuries include:
- Bone fractures, especially in the wrists, hips, and ankles, which are particularly dangerous for older people. 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 changes, or even permanent cognitive decline.
- Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or total paralysis. A poorly positioned fall can cause spinal compression or rupture, with devastating consequences.
- Sprains and muscle strains, which, although often seen as minor injuries, can cause chronic pain or limited mobility.
- Torn ligaments and tendons, common in the knee and shoulder areas, which might require surgical intervention and long recovery periods.
In addition to immediate physical harm, many victims also face secondary effects like anxiety, a fear of walking in public spaces, or depression, especially if the accident impacts their quality of life or independence. Therefore, it’s crucial for a slip-and-fall lawyer to consider not only the visible damage but also the long-term emotional and psychological impact. The law firm of Javier Perez Law understands the full scope of these injuries and fights to ensure that every aspect is justly compensated.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you suffer a slip-and-fall accident in a mall, it’s crucial to act quickly and diligently:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s essential to have a healthcare professional evaluate you.
- Report the incident: Notify the mall staff, or the specific store’s staff, and request that an accident report be filed.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident location, including any dangerous conditions that contributed to the fall.
- Get witness information: If people witnessed the accident, ask for their contact details, as they could testify on your behalf.
- Keep medical documentation: Save all medical records, bills, and prescriptions related to the treatment of your injuries.
- Consult a slip-and-fall lawyer: Before communicating with insurance companies or accepting any settlement, seek specialized legal advice.
How Long 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 don’t file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you could lose the right to seek compensation.
It’s important to act promptly, as gathering evidence and preparing the case take time. Consulting with a slip-and-fall lawyer as soon as possible will increase your chances of success.
How to Get the Compensation You Deserve?
If you are injured in a mall due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost wages: 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 is demonstrated on the part of the mall.
Every case is unique, so it’s essential to have a slip-and-fall lawyer who can properly evaluate your situation and fight for the compensation that results from your damages.
Why Do You Need a Slip-and-Fall Lawyer?
After a mall accident, many people are tempted to handle the case on their own, especially if the property management seems cooperative at first. However, what seems like a simple process can turn into a complicated legal battle where insurance companies and the mall’s legal representatives will do everything possible to reduce or deny your claim.
This is where the experience of a slip-and-fall lawyer becomes essential to protecting your rights, a professional who will represent you firmly and ensure you don’t accept less than you truly deserve. A lawyer understands the legal details 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 valuation not only covers medical expenses and lost wages but also the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. Additionally, in more complex cases, such as those involving permanent injuries or disability, the support of a professional like Javier Perez, “Nuestro Campeón,” 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: Choose a professional who focuses on personal injury and, specifically, slip and fall cases.
- Reputation: Research reviews and testimonials from past clients.
- Communication: It’s vital that the lawyer keeps you informed and responds to your concerns.
- Fees: Many lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis, which means they only get paid if they win the case.
Javier Perez, “Nuestro Campeón”, is a lawyer with countless defenses of these types of cases under his belt. He meets all these criteria and is ready to help you on your path to justice.
Javier Perez, Your Slip-and-Fall Lawyer: A Partner When You Need It Most
Suffering a slip-and-fall accident in a mall can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In addition to physical pain, victims face financial and emotional worries. As the law firm of Javier Perez, 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 a victim of this type of accident in Dallas, don’t face this situation alone. Contact us today by calling 214-499-0667 or emailing [email protected]. Allow us to be your ally in the search for justice and compensation. You can start with a free initial case evaluation by filling out an online form.
*The information contained on this page does not, and is not intended to, create an attorney-client relationship. The results mentioned are unique to each case and do not guarantee similar outcomes in other cases.