Slips and falls are the most common types of accidents that occur on any property, and while these types of accidents are typically minor, they can cause severe injuries or even death. Fatal slip and fall accidents in Katy leave grieving families without the companionship and financial support of a beloved family member. The situation can feel even more tragic when caused by someone else’s negligence.
When a slip and fall accident is fatal, the victim cannot file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the family can hold the responsible party accountable by filing a wrongful death claim. A skilled slip and fall attorney can guide your family through the legal process of proving liability and holding guilty parties responsible for their actions.
Who is Responsible for Fatal Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can happen in any environment at any time. In many cases, the incident is simply an unexpected event related to a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings. Fatal slip and fall accidents are far less common and more likely to be a result of someone’s negligence.
When a slip and fall accident occurs on someone else’s property, the property owner or another party responsible for maintaining the property may be liable for the accident. If an accident occurs because a property was not properly maintained or visitors were not warned of a potential hazard, the following individuals or entities may be liable:
- Property owners
- Business owners
- Employees at a public property
- Government entities (when the incident occurs in public areas maintained by government agencies)
- Product manufacturers (when the incident was caused by a defective product, like a faulty handrail)
An experienced Katy lawyer can investigate the fatal slip and fall accident and help families identify how the actions of liable parties contributed to the accident.
How a Lawyer Proves Liability
A successful wrongful death claim requires proof of negligence. The family of the decedent must prove that the party who caused the accident had a duty to maintain the property and failed to do so. This requires evidence that the property owner or other responsible party was aware of the dangerous condition and did nothing to eliminate the hazard or warn the victim of danger.
A lawyer will investigate the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and gather evidence to prove the defendant breached their duty of care. Evidence may show how long the hazard existed and why the defendant was responsible for ensuring the safety of the premises. An attorney will also show how the unsafe condition caused the victim’s fatal injuries.
Contact a Katy Attorney After a Fatal Slip and Fall
Losing a loved one unexpectedly is traumatic. If you lost a loved one because of a slip and fall accident, there is a way to hold responsible parties accountable. A wrongful death lawsuit allows families to hold responsible parties liable for fatal slip and fall accidents in Katy.
While we know no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a beloved family member, the personal injury lawyers at Schechter Shaffer & Harris LLP can help you get the peace of mind that comes with holding guilty parties responsible. Our attorneys are committed to getting families the closure and compensation they deserve to avoid financial burdens related to a future without a loved one they depended on. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
