Texas weather conditions can change in an instant and range from scorching heat that can cause sunburns to icy winter storms. These weather conditions can affect personal injury claims. Just because bad weather is at play does not mean that a property owner’s responsibilities lessen. In fact, property owners may have heightened duties due to bad weather. Having a San Antonio slip and fall lawyer who can investigate the relevant weather conditions and prove how the conditions caused your injury is essential.
Types of Different Weather Problems and How They Could Affect Your Case
Here are some of the common weather conditions that may contribute to slip-and-fall accidents:
- Rain and standing water: Rain can create dangerous conditions that lead to slips and falls, especially on surfaces such as wood decks, tile, and polished concrete. When customers track in water into a building, they can get the floor and mats wet, leading to falls.
- Snow and ice: Even though San Antonio experiences less ice and snow than many other areas of the country, this weather can occur here, often leaving business owners unprepared. Property owners may allow black ice to develop in parking lots, sidewalks, stairs, and walkways.
- Wind: Wind, tornadoes, and hurricanes can lead to property damage, fallen trees, branches, and road signs, roof damage, and scattered debris. These perils can serve as tripping hazards, as well as a source of possible head injuries.
Property Owners and Legal Responsibilities
Texas’ premises liability laws dictate the responsibilities of property owners, including those of government agencies, personal residences, and commercial establishments. All property owners have a duty to maintain their properties to avoid foreseeable injuries to visitors. Property owners should prioritize safety during adverse weather conditions to prevent such accidents.
Depending on the circumstances, property owners may need to take certain steps to prevent injuries during bad weather, such as:
- Clearing ice and snow when the inclement weather stops
- Removing tripping hazards
- Mopping wet floors
- Warning guests of known hazards
- Using non-slip mats
- Taking preventative actions, such as salting or sanding the roads or pathways
- Removing hazards in a timely manner
When Texas Property Owners Are Held Liable for Slips and Falls
Texas property owners can be held liable for accidents that occur on their property when they:
- Knew or should have known about the hazardous condition
- Failed to remedy or adequately warn visitors about it
- Caused the injury due to their actions or inactions
Proving Premises Liability
To prove a Texas business or residence owner was responsible for your injuries, you will need evidence such as:
- Photographs of the accident scene, the conditions that contributed to it, and your injuries
- Video footage
- Witness statements
- Business records and inspection report
- Weather reports
- Medical records, lost wage statements, and other documentation of your damages
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case
If you were injured while visiting someone else’s property due to dangerous conditions, the premises liability attorney at George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help you hold the property owner accountable. We can investigate your case, identify the weather conditions that were involved, and explain the property owner’s duty and breach thereof. Contact us today to initiate a free case review.