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When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in McAllen After a Slip and Fall

Slipping and falling in a public place might seem like a minor incident—until the pain sets in. Broken bones, head trauma, and severe back injuries are all too common in these types of accidents. In McAllen, where foot traffic is heavy in stores, restaurants, and public buildings, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail, and someone gets hurt, they may be held responsible.

But how do you know if your slip-and-fall incident warrants a lawsuit? And when should you call an attorney? At J.A. Davis & Associates, we help injury victims in McAllen take action after preventable falls. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Premises Liability in Texas

Slip and fall claims fall under a legal category called premises liability. Under Texas law, property owners and occupiers are required to take reasonable steps to ensure their property is safe for visitors. This includes:

• Cleaning up spills promptly
• Marking wet floors
• Fixing broken steps or handrails
• Providing adequate lighting
• Securing loose rugs or flooring
• Removing debris from walkways

When these obligations are neglected and someone slips, trips, or falls as a result, the property owner may be financially liable.

Signs You Should Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer
You don’t need to hire a lawyer after every fall. But if any of the following apply to you, it’s time to speak with a legal professional:

1. You Suffered a Serious Injury
Minor bruises may heal without much intervention. But if your fall resulted in:

• Fractures
• Torn ligaments
• Spinal injuries
• Head trauma
• Surgery
• Extended time off work

…then your damages likely justify legal action. These injuries not only carry steep medical bills but may also affect your long-term quality of life.

2. The Property Owner Was Clearly Negligent
If your fall was caused by something like:

• A known leak that hadn’t been repaired
• Lack of a “wet floor” sign after mopping
• Uneven pavement at an entrance
• A handrail that had been loose for weeks

Then the property owner likely failed in their legal duty. These are red flags that merit an investigation and possibly a claim.

3. The Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim
Premises liability claims are often denied outright, especially if you try to file them without legal help. Insurers may argue that:

• You weren’t paying attention
• The hazard was “open and obvious.”
• They had no knowledge of the danger
• You assumed the risk by entering the area

If you’re hitting a wall with the insurance company, an attorney can step in, cut through the red tape, and push your case forward.

4. You’re Unsure Who Is Responsible
Sometimes it’s not clear who owns or maintains the property where you were injured. Was it the landlord? A tenant? A cleaning company? A property management firm?

At J.A. Davis & Associates, we investigate property records, lease agreements, and maintenance contracts to identify the correct party—or parties—to hold accountable.

5. You Were Blamed for the Fall
Property owners often try to shift the blame onto the victim. If you’ve been accused of:

• Not watching where you were going
• Wearing unsafe footwear
• Ignoring warning signs

…you may be unfairly bearing the responsibility. We counter these accusations with evidence, surveillance footage, and expert testimony.

What a McAllen Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You

If you hire J.A. Davis & Associates after a slip and fall in McAllen, here’s what we do:

Investigate and Collect Evidence
We visit the scene, gather photos, obtain surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and consult with safety experts. We also collect maintenance records, incident reports, and inspection logs to show whether the hazard was preventable.

Assess the Full Value of Your Claim

Many people only consider immediate medical costs. We look deeper, calculating:

• ER and follow-up visits
• Physical therapy or chiropractic care
• Time off work and lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished earning potential if your injuries are long-lasting

Handle All Insurance Communications

We deal with adjusters, not you. Our team manages the paperwork, submits evidence, negotiates offers, and ensures you’re not pressured into settling for less than you deserve.

Represent You in Court If Necessary
While many slip and fall cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Our reputation as tough litigators often leads to stronger settlements out of court.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in McAllen
We’ve represented clients injured in falls at:

• Grocery stores (e.g., H-E-B, Walmart)
• Restaurants and cafes
• Shopping malls
• Hotels and resorts
• Government buildings
• Sidewalks and parking lots
• Apartment complexes

In every case, we assess whether the property was correctly maintained and whether the danger should have been addressed.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit. However, don’t wait. Evidence may be lost, witnesses may move, and video footage may be erased. Early legal action increases your odds of success.

We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
You don’t need to worry about upfront costs. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. That means you can get experienced legal help without financial stress.

Slip and fall injuries can be physically painful and financially draining, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you’ve fallen on someone else’s property in McAllen and believe negligence played a role, contact J.A. Davis & Associates today.

We’ll evaluate your case for free, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—your recovery and your rights depend on timely, effective legal action.