When walking through a construction site, shopping in a store, or going about daily activities, you probably don’t expect to be injured by a falling object. However, accidents involving falling objects happen more frequently than many realize, resulting in catastrophic results.
In these cases, victims may face severe injuries, extensive medical bills, and long recovery times. If a falling object has hurt you, you need an experienced Fort Worth falling object accident lawyer to help you seek justice and compensation.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how these injuries can impact your life and family. Contact us to schedule a free case review and learn your legal rights and options.
Understanding Falling Object Accidents in Fort Worth
Falling object accidents often occur in areas where people are unaware of the risks overhead. Common causes include construction zones, poorly maintained buildings, warehouses, and retail stores with items improperly secured on high shelves. In many instances, property owners or contractors may fail to take proper safety precautions to prevent these accidents, making them liable for your injuries.
In 2020, struck by incidents (falling objects) led to 14,000 nonfatal injuries and 150 deaths. This statistic highlights how severe and common these incidents can be in construction areas and various industries.
If a falling object has injured you or a loved one, you deserve to work with a qualified falling object accident attorney in Fort Worth who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Are Common Injuries in Falling Object Accidents?
The severity of injuries from falling object accidents can vary significantly, depending on the size, weight, and height from which the object falls. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head from a heavy object can cause a TBI, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional difficulties.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Falling objects that strike the back or neck can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Objects falling from significant heights can cause severe bone fractures, especially in the skull, arms, or legs.
- Lacerations and Bruising: While less severe, deep cuts or bruises can still lead to infections or complications, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
If a falling object has injured you, you must seek immediate medical attention and then consult a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, Texas, to explore your legal options.
Texas Laws Governing Falling Object Accidents
In Texas, property owners and employers have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors, employees, and customers. This includes ensuring that falling object hazards are properly managed. The legal foundation for falling object accidents often lies in premises liability law or negligence claims.
Premises Liability in Texas
Premises liability laws in Texas require property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent hazards on their property that could harm visitors. If a property owner or manager knew or should have known about the risk of falling objects and did nothing to address it, they can be held liable for injuries that occur.
This law is particularly relevant in construction zones, retail stores, and warehouses, where objects are often stored at height or handled by equipment like cranes and forklifts.
For example, under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 75.007, a landowner’s liability is typically based on whether the individual who was injured had permission to be on the property and whether the danger was “obvious” or “hidden.”
Negligence in Texas
Victims can also pursue a negligence claim in many falling object accident cases. To prove negligence in Texas, the injured party must show that:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the injured party.
- The defendant breached that duty by failing to act reasonably.
- The breach of duty directly caused the injuries sustained.
- The victim suffered damages as a result.
By working with a knowledgeable Texas personal injury lawyer, you can navigate these complex legal frameworks to build a strong case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Falling Object Accident?
Determining liability in a falling object accident can be complicated, and multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances. Some potential defendants in a falling object injury case include:
- Property Owners or Managers: If unsafe conditions on the property led to the accident, the property owner or manager could be held liable.
- Construction Companies or Contractors: In construction zones, contractors or the company overseeing the project may be responsible for failing to secure equipment or debris properly.
- Retail Store Employees: If a store improperly stored items on high shelves or failed to follow safety protocols, the store owner or employee could be liable for injuries caused by falling merchandise.
A skilled injury attorney in Fort Worth will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence to determine all liable parties and maximize your compensation.
The Role of a Fort Worth Falling Object Accident Lawyer
After a falling object accident, it’s critical to act quickly to protect your rights. A falling object accident attorney in Fort Worth can help by:
- Investigating the Accident: Your attorney will collect evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and safety records, to build a strong case.
- Proving Liability: A qualified attorney will work to prove negligence or premises liability by showing that the defendant failed to uphold their duty of care, directly resulting in your injury.
- Calculating Your Damages: Falling object accidents can result in significant expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Your lawyer will help ensure that all of your damages are taken into account, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Many accident victims make the mistake of accepting the first offer from an insurance company, which may not fully cover their expenses. A Texas accident lawyer will handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement for you.
- Taking the Case to Trial if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Falling Object Accident Victims
Victims of falling object accidents in Texas are entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income, including future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: These non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
- Disability or Permanent Disfigurement: If the injuries are severe enough to cause permanent disability or scarring, you can seek additional compensation.
Your Fort Worth falling object accident lawyer will work diligently to ensure you receive compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group for Your Falling Object Accident Case?
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how life-changing a falling object accident can be. Our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to accident victims across Fort Worth.
With a proven track record of success in personal injury cases, we have the knowledge and dedication needed to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team will work closely with you every step of the way, from the initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial, to ensure your rights are protected. We believe in holding negligent parties accountable and are ready to fight for your best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fort Worth Falling Object Accidents
What should I do if a falling object in Fort Worth has injured me?
If a falling object has injured you, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention. Once you’ve received care, it’s important to consult with a Fort Worth falling object accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, prove liability, and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Who can be held responsible for a falling object accident?
Liability in falling object accidents can depend on the circumstances of the incident. Property owners, contractors, store managers, and employees may be held responsible if their negligence contributed to the accident. A falling object accident attorney in Fort Worth can investigate your case and determine who should be held accountable for your injuries.
How can a personal injury attorney in Fort Worth, Texas, help with my case?
A Texas personal injury lawyer can assist by conducting a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. They will work to prove negligence or premises liability, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What types of compensation are available for falling object accident victims?
Victims of falling object accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of severe injury, compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement. Your injury attorney in Fort Worth will help you calculate the full extent of your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a claim after a falling object accident in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years. Contacting a Texas accident lawyer as soon as possible is crucial to ensure you meet all legal deadlines and protect your right to compensation.
Contact an Injury Attorney in Fort Worth Today
Don’t wait to seek legal representation if a falling object has injured you or a loved one. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is two years from the accident date, meaning you have a limited time to file a claim.
Contact Patterson Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced falling object accident attorney in Fort Worth. We’re here to help you navigate the legal system, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
