Every year, more than 39 million people require medical treatment in response to a personal injury. Accidents that result in injury can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, people don’t pay attention to their surroundings. Other times, people break public safety rules.
However, many public injury accidents are caused by negligence on behalf of the property owner. It is these circumstances that lead to injuries taking place in public venues, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
When unsafe conditions are caused by those in charge of maintaining a public space, the injured party deserves compensation. But whether you receive fair compensation depends on the steps you take after being injured.
Understanding Texas Premises Liability Law
An injury caused by a safety hazard in a public space is handled under what is known as premises liability law. The term “premises liability” itself means that the owner of a property did not fulfill their duty to protect the safety of those who use it.
With that in mind, examples of unsafe conditions that fall under premises liability law include the following:
- Slippery floors
- Faulty wiring
- Broken stairs
- Doors that do not operate correctly
- Faulty handrails (or a lack thereof)
- Inadequate security
- Inadequate maintenance
As an example, if you are visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science and a poorly secured exhibit piece falls from the ceiling, hitting you on the head, that would qualify as a premises liability case. However, if you ignore safety warnings and climb a railing to touch an exhibit, any injury you sustain thereafter would probably not be considered to be the fault of the museum.
Take Action After an Accident At the Museum
The first step in any accident is to assess your injury. If necessary, call 911 or request that someone call on your behalf. Ensuring that you or the injured party gets the medical help they need is the top priority. If possible, move to a more private space away from other visitors and the flow of foot traffic.
Preserve Information
If you are able, take photos of the unsafe conditions. Also, gather contact information and statements from any witnesses to your accident. Some people may be unwilling to provide a statement even if they witnessed the entire incident. But if necessary, they can be legally compelled to share whatever information they have.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Even if your injuries don’t require immediate care, it’s best to get evaluated as soon as possible. Call your primary care provider or visit the emergency room. If you have a concussion or have sustained a whiplash injury, symptoms may not appear immediately. However, having a medical record that shows you sought medical care from the get-go will be helpful if a lawsuit is filed in the future.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Don’t assume that you have no legal recourse, and don’t make any final decisions about whether you will sue the museum for compensation immediately following your injury. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney will keep all your choices intact. After consulting an attorney and understanding your options for legal recourse, you can make a more informed decision.
What Will a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer Do To Help After an Accident At the Museum?
Not every injury case will result in a claim, but you won’t know what your rights are unless you consult an attorney.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but regardless of whether the case goes to trial, your attorney will fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Throughout the entire process, they will handle all the paperwork, research, and filing. It is their responsibility to meet deadlines and complete all the steps necessary to resolve your case.
Winning a lawsuit against a large organization like the Houston Museum of Natural Science requires an experienced attorney who knows how to get results. And, depending on the severity of your injury, a lawsuit may be the only way to provide for your medical bills and your future.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Personal Injury Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact our Undefeated personal injury attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours