Austin Apartment Complex Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you slipped and injured yourself in an apartment complex, you could recover compensation for damages you suffered, including medical expenses, lost income, and more.

Slips, trips, and falls are categorized as premises liability cases. These are a special type of personal injury case where a person who is injured due to a hazard on someone else’s property can file a claim against the property owner or occupier.

To bring a successful premises liability claim, you need to be able to identify the liable party and prove that they were negligent in some way. This can be a complex process, which is why it is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Austin slip and fall attorney at Loewy Law Firm.

Our Austin slip and fall attorneys have the necessary knowledge and experience to help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve after a slip, trip, and fall injury. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.

Common Causes of Apartment Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls are common in apartment complexes and can have a variety of causes. They can occur inside an individual apartment or in common areas on the apartment complex grounds. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

Faulty stairways and steps
Ice and snow
Cracked sidewalks and parking lots
Potholes
Slippery floors
Insufficient lighting
Torn carpet
Cracked or damaged flooring
Electrical wires
Cluttered walkways

In most cases, slip and fall accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the landlord or a tenant. The seasoned slip and fall accident attorneys at Loewy Law Firm can help you pinpoint the cause of the accident and pursue a claim against the appropriate party.

Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls may not sound particularly dangerous, but the reality is that these accidents can cause serious, even life-altering injuries in some cases. Furthermore, certain groups of people, such as the elderly, may have a more difficult time recovering from their injuries after slipping and falling.

Some common injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls include:

Traumatic brain injuries – Also known as TBIs, traumatic brain injuries usually occur due to a violent blow to the head. The severity of a TBI can range from minor to severe. If a person hits their head hard enough, it could result in serious, life-threatening hematomas, skull fractures, and other debilitating injuries.
Back and spinal cord injuries – Back strains and sprains, fractured vertebrae, pinched nerves, slipped discs, and other injuries can occur due to a slip and fall. For example, a broken spine, as a result from a fall, can cause paralysis.
Broken and fractured bones – The most common fractures in slip and fall accidents affect hips, wrists, and ankles.
Internal injuries – Depending on how a person falls and which parts of their body impact the ground, internal injuries can occur. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and often requires emergency medical care.
Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations – Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations commonly occur in slip and fall accidents, particularly in areas with debris and clutter.

Injuries from a slip, trip, and fall accident can range in severity. The recovery time and financial effects after being injured can cause additional stress and pressure as well. If you were injured due to a landlord or tenant’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable through a premises liability claim.

Who is Liable for an Apartment Slip and Fall Accident?

Determining liability for a slip and fall accident that occurred in an apartment complex can be challenging. In Texas, property owners are required to keep their property reasonably safe for lawful visitors. However, different parties could be liable depending on where the accident occurred.

If the accident occurred inside an apartment unit, the tenant could be responsible. If they knew or reasonably should have known about a certain trip hazard and failed to notify their landlord, then you could file a claim against the tenant (or their renter’s insurance policy). However, if the tenant notified their landlord about the hazard and the landlord failed to take care of the issue, then the landlord could be liable, even if the accident occurred in a private residence.

If the accident occurred on the apartment complex grounds, such as in a courtyard, on a walkway, or in the parking lot, the landlord would most likely be liable. Landlords are obligated to inspect and maintain common areas to ensure they are safe for visitors.

For your claim to be successful, you will need to prove that the owner or occupier was negligent. To prove negligence, you’ll need to show:

The person owed you a duty of care to prevent you from being harmed on the premises.
The person breached their duty of care by failing to eliminate the slip or trip hazard.
The person’s failure to eliminate the hazard directly contributed to the accident that caused your injuries.
You suffered compensable losses as a result of the accident. Compensable losses include any type of damages you can be compensated for, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

Identifying the at-fault party can be tricky, particularly if the accident occurred inside a private apartment. A slip, trip, and fall accident attorney will have the resources to investigate the accident and help you determine who is responsible for compensating you.

Steps to Take After an Apartment Complex Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured after a slip, trip, or fall in an apartment complex, there are several steps you should take to secure your rights.

Report the accident – Report the accident to the property owner and request a copy of the incident report. You can do this by submitting a written notice to the landlord or property owner. Be cautious with your words and don’t admit liability or apologize. Anything you say could be used against you by the at-fault party.
Collect evidence – Take photos of your injuries and the accident scene from various angles. Be sure to take pictures of the hazard that caused you to fall. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their contact details. They might be able to provide a statement on your behalf.
Seek prompt medical attention – Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, you should be evaluated by a medical professional within 72-hours. Most insurance companies require that you be seen within that window. Otherwise, they might deny your claim.

Finally, you should consult with an experienced slip, trip, and fall accident attorney. Hiring a lawyer as soon as possible ensures that your attorney can quickly gather and preserve vital evidence needed to prove your case. A knowledgeable lawyer can help navigate discussions with insurance companies as well. With the assistance of an Austin lawyer from the Loewry Law Firm, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while they help gather the necessary information for a successful claim.

Contact Loewy Law Firm Today

Were you injured in a slip, trip, and fall accident in an apartment complex? If so, contact the Austin premises liability lawyers at Loewy Law Firm today.

We have extensive experience helping victims of slip and fall accidents recover the compensation they deserve. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, document the damages you suffered, guide you through the claims process, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.