What Happens if I Get Injured at Stevenson Park in Friendswood, Texas?
Getting hurt is always stressful, especially if it happens in a public place like Stevenson Park in Friendswood, TX. If you were injured at the park, you might be wondering about your legal rights and what to do next.
In Texas, the law allows you to seek compensation if someone else’s actions caused your injuries. While every situation is different, knowing some basics about premises liability law can help you understand your legal options. A personal injury lawyer can help you.
Premises Liability Law in Texas
Your case might involve premises liability law, which deals with injuries that happen on someone else’s property. Property owners and managers, whether public or private, must keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. The level of care they owe you depends on why you were there:
- Invitees: An invitee is someone who has been implicitly or explicitly invited (e.g., a park guest). Owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must regularly inspect their property for dangers, fix any issues, and warn visitors of known dangers.
- Licensees: A licensee is a guest who has been permitted to enter someone’s property but not for a mutually beneficial commercial purpose (i.e., a friend visiting your home). Owners must keep their premises safe for licensees and warn them of known dangers..
- Trespassers: A trespasser is someone who enters someone’s property without permission. Owners owe trespassers limited care, mainly to avoid causing them harm on purpose. There are special rules for children under the “attractive nuisance doctrine.”
Knowing your status on the property helps determine how responsible the owner is for your safety, which is important if you decide to make a claim.
What To Do After Getting Injured at Stevenson Park
If you’re hurt at Stevenson Park, consider these steps to protect your rights:
- Report the Accident: Tell park staff or local authorities about what happened. An official report could become important later.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid saying you’re sorry or accepting blame, as this could be used against you in a claim.
- Gather Evidence: If you can, take photos or videos of where you got hurt and any hazards that caused your injury. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Get Medical Help: See a doctor right away, even if you think you’re not badly hurt. Medical records will help your health and support your claim.
From here, consult with a personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can explain your legal options, help you meet deadlines, and build a strong case.
Potential Legal Challenges
Stevenson Park is managed by the City of Friendswood, a government entity. Because of sovereign immunity laws, suing a government entity has special rules and shorter deadlines. In Texas, you usually have to notify the government about your claim within six months, but some places require notice within 90 days.
If you miss your deadline, you might lose your right to seek compensation.
What Compensation Can You Get?
If your claim is successful, you may receive two primary forms of compensation (damages):
- Economic Damages: money for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage
- Non-Economic Damages: compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases involving serious negligence or intentional harm, you might also get punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from committing the same offense.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today at our offices in Friendswood & Galveston, TX.
We serve throughout Galveston County in Texas and surrounding areas.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
(281) 992-8633
