DeSoto Slip and Fall Lawyer
DeSoto Slip and Fall Lawyer
A fall in a store or on a damaged walkway can cause injuries that limit your ability to work or move comfortably. Recognized for securing more than $5 million in settlements and verdicts for injured Texans, our firm knows how to handle slip and fall cases within state tort laws.
Your DeSoto premises liability lawyer will explain what evidence helps prove responsibility and what to expect as your claim progresses. When you contact your DeSoto slip and fall lawyer from Goff Law, PLLC, you will receive clear direction about what comes next and how to protect your rights.
Where Most Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in DeSoto
Many falls occur in familiar places around DeSoto, such as neighborhood stores or local apartment buildings. These accidents often happen because hazards were ignored or repairs were postponed. Our firm has spent more than ten years serving Texans with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility to the community.
Everyday Hazards That Lead to Falls
Falls can happen anywhere when property conditions are unsafe. Wet floors or broken steps make walking areas risky. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 75.002 explains the duty property owners owe to visitors and how that duty includes preventing unsafe conditions.
A fall caused by poor lighting or a spill left uncleaned is avoidable. Property owners must fix hazards once they are aware of them. Our firm reviews inspection logs and witness statements to determine whether prior complaints were ignored.
Why Falls Can Cause Lasting Damage
Slip and fall injuries often lead to long periods of medical care. A single fracture or spinal injury can interrupt your ability to earn income and care for yourself. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2024 shows that falls remain one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits across the country.
Even a fall that seems minor can cause new symptoms days later. Pain may increase, and treatment may take longer than expected. Our firm helps you track doctor visits and medical documentation so your claim includes every cost tied to the incident.
How Businesses Try to Avoid Responsibility After a Fall
Property owners and insurance companies often use familiar tactics to reduce what they pay after someone gets hurt. They might argue the fall was your fault or claim the danger was obvious. Our firm is known in DeSoto for standing up to these strategies with consistent results and a reputation built on community trust.
When Property Owners Try to Blame You
Insurers sometimes argue that the victim was distracted or careless. They may say you “should have seen” the spill or step that caused the fall. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 allows compensation to be reduced only when an injured person is found more than 50% at fault.
When blame-shifting happens, evidence matters. Photos and witness accounts help show what conditions looked like. Our firm uses that evidence to keep attention on the property owner’s negligence.
Fixing the Problem Before Anyone Can Investigate
Some businesses move quickly to hide the hazard after an accident. Floors are cleaned or repairs are made before anyone can document what was wrong. Timely documentation is one of the most important factors in proving who was at fault.
Evidence gathered right away often makes the difference later. Photos or videos can confirm what the scene looked like before changes were made. Our firm helps preserve these details so your claim does not depend on the company’s version of events.
Offering a Quick Settlement That Sounds Better Than It Is
An insurance adjuster may contact you soon after the fall with an offer that seems reasonable. These quick settlements rarely include all costs related to your care, including therapy or missed income. Your DeSoto personal injury lawyer can review any offer and explain whether it covers the full scope of your losses.
If you accept a settlement too soon, you may lose the chance to seek additional compensation later. Medical needs or complications may appear after paperwork has already been signed. Our firm helps you understand what your case is truly worth before you make a decision that cannot be undone.
How the Open and Obvious Doctrine Affects Slip and Fall Claims
Texas property owners often argue that a hazard was noticeable and therefore not their fault. This defense, called the “open and obvious” rule, is one of the most common tactics businesses use after a fall. Our firm has built a reputation across North Texas for standing firm against these defenses and guiding clients through cases that demand persistence and attention to detail.
What the Open and Obvious Rule Means in Texas
Under this rule, property owners may avoid liability if a reasonable person could have seen and avoided the hazard. The Texas Supreme Court’s decision in Austin v. Kroger, 465 S.W.3d 193 (2015) explained how this defense applies to slip and fall cases across the state. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 75.002 describes how an owner’s duty depends on what they knew about the hazard before the incident.
Although the rule appears straightforward, it is often used incorrectly. Many owners rely on it to deflect attention from neglected repairs or ignored complaints. Our firm examines each case carefully to show whether the condition was truly unavoidable or presented an unreasonable danger.
When Property Owners Can Still Be Liable
Property owners cannot rely on the open and obvious rule when a hazard cannot be avoided safely. Uneven flooring or sudden drop-offs can still create liability. Texas law states that property owners owe visitors a duty to keep areas reasonably safe.
Owners may also remain liable if the hazard was caused by the property itself. Examples include damaged stairs or loose flooring that presented a risk regardless of how easy it was to see. Our firm focuses on these facts to demonstrate how an injury could have been prevented.
How We Challenge the Open and Obvious Defense
Our team reviews surveillance footage and maintenance records to show that the hazard was not as apparent or as avoidable as claimed. Expert insight then helps explain why the danger should have been corrected before anyone was hurt. Texas insurers often depend on this defense and it shows why detailed documentation is essential.
We build each claim around evidence that proves what caused the fall. Witness statements or photographs often reveal how serious the hazard really was. Our firm uses that information to present a fact-based argument that protects your right to pursue compensation.
Preventing Future Accidents Through Legal Action
Filing a claim is about more than seeking compensation. Legal action helps create safer stores and apartment complexes throughout DeSoto. Our firm, known across North Texas for encouraging better business practices and stronger community safety, treats each case as a chance to push for reforms that reduce catastrophic injuries.
Why Legal Claims Create Safer Businesses
Each successful case reminds property owners that hazards cannot be ignored. Settlements and verdicts often prompt faster repairs and better inspection routines. OSHA’s 2024 report found that consistent enforcement has reduced fall-related injuries in public areas and workplaces.
The effect spreads beyond one property. When a single business updates its safety policies, others often take similar steps to avoid preventable incidents. Our firm approaches every case as an opportunity to help make DeSoto safer for everyone.
The Value of Reporting Dangerous Conditions
Reporting a hazard helps protect others who use the same space. Your report alerts property managers and inspectors to a problem that could cause another injury. Quick reporting also supports your claim by confirming the danger actually existed.
You can take action in a way that encourages responsible maintenance across the community. Even one phone call or written notice can lead to changes that prevent more accidents. Our firm helps you take the right steps so your report reaches the people who can make a difference.
DeSoto Slip and Fall FAQ
Falls can happen anywhere, and each situation raises different questions about liability and next steps. These FAQs address common concerns for Texas slip and fall cases.
What if I slipped because of poor lighting instead of a wet floor?
You may still have a valid claim if the property owner failed to keep the lighting at a safe level. Low visibility can make hazards impossible to see and show the area was unsafe for visitors.
Can I file a claim if the property owner says I wasn’t watching where I was walking?
Yes. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 allows compensation even if both sides share fault, as long as you were not mostly responsible.
How long does a typical slip and fall case take in Texas?
Most cases take several months to a year based on the evidence involved and your medical care. Your DeSoto slip and fall lawyer will keep you updated as key steps are completed.
Who pays for physical therapy after a fall injury?
The property owner’s insurance may cover therapy and other medical costs from the incident. Records from your doctor can verify your treatment and strengthen your claim.
Can I recover damages if the fall happened at a friend’s home instead of a business?
Yes. Most homeowners carry insurance that covers guest injuries, and claims are usually handled through that policy rather than personal payment.
Get Compassionate Support From Your Slip and Fall Lawyer in DeSoto Who Knows How to Prove Negligence
