The Ghezzi Law Firm — Magnolia, TX
Slip and fall accidents — a category of premises liability law — can cause serious injuries including broken hips, head trauma, spinal injuries, torn ligaments, and chronic pain. These accidents often occur in grocery stores, restaurants, parking lots, office buildings, apartment complexes, and private residences throughout Montgomery County and the greater Houston area.
Property owners and occupiers in Texas have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When they fail in that duty — through negligent maintenance, failure to warn of hazards, or inadequate security — they can be held liable for injuries that result. Attorney John Ghezzi has the experience to investigate these claims thoroughly and hold negligent property owners accountable.
Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs, uneven or damaged flooring, poorly lit stairwells, loose carpeting or rugs, icy or obstructed walkways, broken handrails, and cluttered aisles are among the most common hazards. When a property owner knows about — or should have known about — a dangerous condition and fails to address it, they may be liable for injuries.
To prevail in a Texas slip and fall case, you generally must show that the property owner or occupier owed you a duty of care (which depends on your status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser), that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner knew or should have known about the condition, and that the condition caused your injuries. Evidence such as surveillance footage, incident reports, maintenance logs, and witness statements can be critical.
You can establish knowledge through direct evidence (such as maintenance logs or prior complaints) or constructive knowledge — showing that the hazard existed long enough that a reasonable property owner should have discovered and corrected it. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and inspection records are all valuable evidence.
Texas's comparative fault rule applies to premises liability cases. If you are found partially at fault (for example, if you were texting while walking), your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
The statute of limitations for premises liability claims in Texas is two years from the date of the injury. However, evidence (such as surveillance footage) can be destroyed quickly, so it's important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact The Ghezzi Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you understand your legal options.