Austin Slip and Fall Lawyer
A fall on a wet floor, broken stair, or cracked sidewalk can leave you with a serious injury and a property owner who insists it was your own fault. An Austin slip and fall lawyer can help you understand what Texas law requires you to prove and which deadline applies, which depends heavily on who owns the ground where you fell.
Breeland Injury Law represents people across Austin and Travis County who were hurt by dangerous conditions on someone else’s property, as part of our broader premises liability practice. Call 512-764-3380 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Breeland Injury Law After a Fall in Austin
Many people have heard that they have two years to bring an injury claim. For some fall claims, the real deadline is far shorter, because a fall on City or county property starts a notice clock measured in days or months. Matt Breeland checks who owns and controls the property at the very start, so a shorter deadline does not slip by unnoticed.
His years on the defense side also taught him how property owners and their insurers argue that a hazard was obvious or that they had no chance to fix it. From the first conversation, you get honest answers about your claim.
What a Texas Slip and Fall Claim Has to Prove
Most slip and fall claims involve a customer or other invited visitor on business property. In general, that visitor has to show that:
- The property owner or occupier knew, or reasonably should have known, about the dangerous condition
- The condition posed an unreasonable risk of harm
- The owner failed to use reasonable care to fix the hazard or warn about it
- That failure caused the injury
The knowledge requirement is often the hardest part. An owner may be treated as having known about a hazard if an employee created it, someone reported it, or it existed long enough that a reasonable inspection would have found it. Photos, incident reports, and witness accounts help show how long a spill or defect was there.
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in Texas?
Generally two years from the day of the fall. Section 16.003 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code sets that deadline for most personal injury lawsuits, with a short list of exceptions, and a lawsuit filed after it is almost always barred. On government property, though, an earlier notice deadline comes first.
What If You Fell on City of Austin or Travis County Property?
You may have far less time. Under Section 101.101 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a governmental unit is generally entitled to written notice of a claim no later than six months after the incident, and a city charter can set a shorter period. The City of Austin asks for written claims within 45 days. These notice rules generally do not apply if the government already had actual notice of the injury, but whether that exception fits depends on the facts.
The duty owed changes too. Under Section 101.022 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a governmental unit generally owes only the duty a private owner owes a licensee, meaning someone simply permitted to be there, unless you paid to use the property. That limit does not apply to special defects, such as excavations or obstructions on roads, or to missing or malfunctioning traffic signs and signals.
Section 101.0215 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code lists city functions that can give rise to these claims, including parks and zoos, swimming pools and other recreation sites, and street construction and maintenance. Whether a city is actually liable still depends on the rest of the Texas Tort Claims Act and the facts of the fall.
Private Property or Public Property: Two Different Clocks
The same fall can follow two very different timelines depending on who owns the ground:
| Private property | Government property | |
| Filing deadline | Two years from the day of the fall, with limited exceptions | Generally the same two years, but only if written notice was given on time |
| Pre-suit notice | None required by statute | Written notice within six months, or as little as 45 days for the City of Austin, unless the government already had actual notice |
| Duty owed to a customer | Reasonable care to fix or warn about hazards the owner knew or should have known about | Generally the lower licensee duty unless you paid to use the premises, with special defects carved out |
| First step | Preserve proof of the hazard | Identify the governmental unit and its notice period |
When ownership is unclear, the safest assumption is that the shorter government deadline may apply until someone confirms who owns the spot.
Can You Still Recover If You Were Partly at Fault?
Often, yes. Under Section 33.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, a claimant whose share of responsibility is greater than 50% cannot recover. Below that bar, Section 33.012 reduces the damages by the claimant’s own percentage. For example, if a claim is valued at $50,000 and the injured person is found 10% responsible for not watching their step, the recovery would be $45,000. That example shows the math, not what any claim is worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After a Fall in Austin?
Get medical care the same day if you can, and try to preserve evidence before the hazard is cleaned up. Helpful steps include:
- Reporting the fall to a manager or the agency in charge, and asking for a written incident report
- Photographing the hazard, the lighting, and your footwear from several angles
- Getting names and phone numbers for anyone who saw the fall
- Keeping the shoes and clothes you were wearing, unwashed
What Injuries Are Common in Slip and Fall Cases?
Falls often cause broken wrists, hips, and ankles, along with traumatic brain injuries from striking the floor and neck and back injuries that can require long-term treatment. Some of these injuries do not show their full effect until days later, which is one reason a prompt medical visit matters.
Does It Matter Whether I Was a Customer or a Guest?
Yes. Texas generally gives the strongest protection to customers and other visitors invited onto property for business purposes. Social guests and people who are simply permitted to be there are usually owed a lower duty, so your reason for being on the property can shape the claim.
Get Answers From an Austin Slip and Fall Lawyer
A fall can turn an ordinary errand into months of treatment and missed work, and the property owner’s insurer will likely say the hazard was your problem to avoid. At Breeland Injury Law, Matt Breeland can look at who owned the ground, which deadline applies, and what evidence still exists.
Hold on to the photos, the incident report, and the shoes you wore. For a free consultation with an Austin slip and fall lawyer, call 512-764-3380 or contact us today.
I had a great experience working with Matt Breeland. He was professional, responsive, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. He took the time to answer my questions and made everything as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Thank you, Matt, for all your hard work and for helping me through my case. I truly appreciate everything you did and would definitely recommend your services to anyone looking for an attorney they can trust.
After I was rear-ended and unsure how to navigate the legal process, Matt Breeland was recommended to me and I’m really glad he was. He made everything simple and easy to understand, and the whole process ended up being much less stressful than I expected. He handled everything professionally and kept me updated along the way. I also really appreciated the help from his legal assistant, Lisabeth. I’m very grateful for their support and would definitely recommend Matt to anyone who needs a great attorney!
As a foreigner, this was my first time experiencing an car accident here, and I had no idea how the process worked. I felt scared, worried, and overwhelmed. I read many law firm reviews before choosing here, and it turned out to be a perfect decision.
He was incredibly kind, and what I appreciated most was communication. He always reassured me and made me feel at ease throughout the entire process. He handled my case very efficiently and brought everything to a smooth conclusion.
I’ve seen many people around me experience long delays in their settlements, but my case was resolved much sooner than I expected. I truly and sincerely recommend this law firm.
I highly recommend Attorney Matt Breeland and Breeland Injury Law for personal injury legal representation. He and his team provided exceptional guidance and representation for my matter following a car accident in which I was rear-ended at a stop light, my car was totaled, and I sustained injuries for which my doctor expects I will require chronic pain management.
Matt Breeland always made himself available to explain the complex legal concepts of my case, which was instrumental in helping me understand the implications of every decision he and I needed to make. He always communicated in a manner that made me feel supported and informed. And his responsiveness to my calls, texts, and emails was invaluable during critical phases of the process.
Mr. Breeland provided much-needed reassurance throughout the 17 months from our first introduction to settlement with the insurance company for the person who hit me. His commitment to keeping me grounded through some very difficult times and focused on the ultimate goal is much appreciated.
I am thoroughly satisfied with Mr. Breeland’s representation. I would enthusiastically recommend him and Breeland Injury Law to any business or individual seeking strong, effective, and results-driven legal counsel for a personal injury case in Austin, Texas.
Matt was recommended to me by one of the biggest personal injury firms in Austin. Over the course of my 6 month case, he guided me every step of the way and made the process very streamlined and straightforward. He always replied quickly and definitely helped manage my expectations. If you need personal injury legal advice, I couldn’t recommend Matt more highly.
I can’t say enough great things about Breeland Injury Law. From start to finish, Matt was incredibly attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about my case. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed every step of the way, and worked tirelessly to make sure I received the best possible outcome.
What truly stood out was his integrity—he even reduced his fee to ensure I could receive the full benefit of my settlement. That kind of compassion and dedication is rare.
If I ever need an injury lawyer again, Matt Breeland will be my first and only call. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled and trustworthy attorney who puts their clients first.
I was in a rear end accident and had several medical bills related to my neck. Even with issues from the medical providers and records, Matt was able to get a settlement that covered all my expenses and gives me a cushion for future expenses. He made the process easy for me.
I had an excellent experience working with Matt Breeland with Breeland Injury Law. He was knowledgeable, professional, and truly dedicated to helping me navigate my legal situation. From our first consultation, he took the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring I understood my options and the best course of action. His attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to my case gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the process.
Beyond his expertise, Mr. Breeland was compassionate and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. He handled everything efficiently and kept me informed at every stage. I highly recommend Breeland Injury Law to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney.
I can’t thank Matt Breeland enough for everything he did for me. From day one, he went above and beyond. always taking the time to explain every step, answer all my questions, and make sure I felt supported throughout the entire process. He truly cared about my well-being, not just the case, and made sure I got the best possible outcome. His professionalism, dedication, and compassion are unmatched. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of an injury lawyer who will fight for you and genuinely take care of you.
Matt is an amazing attorney. He made the process of my accident smooth, and not only that, I had a second accident right after the first, and he handled both expediently and efficiently. He knows his stuff. He’s such a nice guy; he makes you feel comfortable. He responds to your texts/calls, and if you don’t understand something, he’ll explain it to you until you do. I put all my trust in him, and I’m glad I did; he’s more than an attorney—he’s a friend. I highly recommend Matt.
My husband and I were involved in a multi-car accident in 2022; after speaking to several law firms, we decided that Matt would represent us through the complicated legal landscape. What sets Matt apart from bigger law firms is the access and communication to speak to your actual attorney. We had a standing Wednesday appointment to speak to Matt regarding any questions, concerns, and expectations about our health and our case. As our case evolved to the nuances of personal injury Matt continued to go to bat for us against numerous law firms with unwavering conviction. He will give you an honest, unbiased opinion of your options and your choices regarding your case going forward and insert his expertise on possible outcomes. Matt is a genuine person who is deeply passionate about his clients and the law. If you are considering hiring an attorney, you can expect honesty, transparency, and fairness from Breeland Injury Law.
Truly one of the best experiences I’ve had with an attorney. Matt quite literally saved me from a terrible situation and gave me the best outcome. I cannot recommend him enough.
A friend of mine recommended Matt to me after being in a car accident. This was the first time I was in a car accident and I had no clue what I should do. I am glad that I had chosen Matt as my lawyer because he helped me along the whole way. While working on my case, I moved to another country, then moved back to the states. But Matt made everything very easy for me. I had full trust in him that he was doing the best for me and everything turned out great. Highly recommend Matt Breeland!
I was injured in a traffic accident as a pedestrian. After talking to a few lawyers, I decided to choose Matt for two reasons: 1) I couldn’t find any bad reviews of him online (now I understand why), and 2) he was incredibly patient listening and explaining to me the whole process of being involved in a personal injury case. I am not a US citizen, I was in the US working temporarily so I had no idea what was coming. Having someone on my side who truly cared and made everything easy simply meant the world to me. He was always available to answer my questions and the case turned out incredibly well. Choosing Matt has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, as he turned one of the most traumatic moments in my life into something manageable. I cannot thank him and recommend him enough.
A mutual friend referred me to Matt after a car accident that left me injured. I did some shopping around before I contacted Matt, and after we spoke I knew he was the right person to represent me. He was transparent, supportive, and communicative. When searching for a lawyer who specializes in injury law, you may come across some questionable characters. Thankfully, I found Matt, and he is not that. Matt brings integrity and sincerity to his work. He made it easy to communicate and was always accommodating to my schedule if I was busy. His persistence got me through the settlement process seamlessly and painlessly, with my settlement done just in time for the holidays. I’m thankful for how easy he made a stressful process.
Matt went above and beyond in my personal injury case. There weres several unexpected and unique twists and turns that popped up, and Matt never wavered. If you’re in need of high quality, attentive, and caring representation with attention to detail, I couldn’t recommend anyone more than Mr. Breeland. Huge thanks to Matt Breeland and his team!
I had to make my first insurance claim after a motorcycle accident with an uninsured motorist and quickly realized I couldn’t get what I needed myself. Breeland Injury law got me the maximum allowable. It took longer than I expected, but I am very pleased with the results. Matt worked hard to get me what I needed, and I’m very greatful.
I was very impressed with the level of service I received! Matt Breeland was my attorney. I had an injury (slip & fall) caused by negligence that was caught on video. They had a phone consultation with me and then we met face to face. They were very thorough and told me the very worst scenario and the best and also a typical outcome. They were very responsive and I even corresponded by text and phone calls with Matt (e-mails as well). There were some challenges on the way due to my personal situation, but they were very accommodating. I have had bad experiences with lawyers before (not responding to phone calls or emails); so it was very refreshing having the level of personal service I received. I felt that they were really my partner in getting a just settlement. I highly recommend Matt Breeland!
You don’t realize that you need a lawyer in life until something unexpected happens. After calling different lawyers i decided to pick Matt, he has good communication skills and will get back to you with any questions asked. I believe that Matt is someone who works hard and tries which in my experience is hard to find these days. I made the correct decision with being represented by Matt Breeland.
Matt Breeland is an AMAZING attorney. Not only was he considerate and consistent in his communication, but he went to bat for me! Although I hope I don’t have a need for him in the future, I would use him again and again!! j can’t recommend him enough.
I was in a motorcycle wreck July 2023 and was out of work for 4 months. I had never dealt with lawyers before. My case got referred to Mr. Breeland from Daniel Stark. There were some communication concerns but that may just be that I didn’t like being in the dark with so many unknowns but when I had questions Mr. Breeland was very patient with me and answered them to the best of his abilities. When my insurance and doctors tried to charge me AND demand money from the settlement amount Mr. Breeland did a great job getting that sorted out and did the same when my orthopedic sent debt collectors my way. Obviously I hope to never need an injury lawyer again but if that need arises again I’d trust Mr. Breeland again.
Matt is a brilliant attorney and very knowledgable in the field. I never had a doubt at any moment and he ensured that I understood the process and all my options. I believe I would have been in worse condition if he did not take care of me. No one wants to be in a car accident, but if this does happen to you, pick up the phone and call as you will be in good hands.
Many years of experience pairs nicely when you are cared for like a family member. The wealth of knowledge that Matt has certainly will make you feel comfortable moving forward towards the right direction.
My overall experience if i can rate it more than 5 stars i would. Don’t waste time reviewing others, just pick up the phone and see for yourself.
We are ever so grateful to have worked with Matt Breeland to help us with a personal injury issue. The case was resolved to our great satisfaction and maybe more importantly, Matt was attentive to our needs, responsive to our questions, and not once did we feel that we were “just another client”. I hope we won’t ever again require such services, but if we do, we know who we will be calling!
Matt was honestly the best lawyer I could have hoped for. My case was complicated and Matt was understanding, patient, and took care of everything for me. Everything turned out so much better than I could have even possibly imagined. I highly recommend his services and would not hesitate to call him again.
Matt is very kind and hardworking man who diligently handled my case and made sure that everything was taken care of.
Matt Breeland is not only great at what he does, he also won’t dance around, lie to you, or ghost you. He took on our case, after it just hanging in the air and our lawyer ghosted us. He made it his goal to help us and get us some justice! And boy did he deliver and also in a nick of time.
Very professional, amazing communication, hands on and zero worries for us. Could not have felt more comfortable. We are very thankful to everything he has done for us. Tha k you, from the bottom of my heart!
If it wasn’t for Matt I wouldn’t have gotten anything. He worked really hard getting a settlement for me. If at anytime you want to talk to him, he is there for you. He explains everything to you. With me sometimes two or three times before it would sink in for Me. But he would do it over an over for me if I needed it. Matt is a wonderful attorney to work with.
I’ll start with a little pretext, I was riding my motorcycle on the access road of 183 on July 20th and a car jumped across 3 lanes of traffic and side swiped me. I broke 4 out of 5 metatarsal bones in my right foot. Initially I went to Matt while he was still with FVF law, but while my case was still in initial phases Matt decided to go off on his own and open up his own practice. After being given the choice to stay with FVF or go with him it was an easy decision to stay with Matt especially remembering the fact that he also helped my friend win a HUGE settlement years ago.
Anyways after breaking my foot and deciding to stay with Matt on his independent venture Matt was the kind of lawyer I needed him to be from the very moment we started things at FVF to the final delivery of my settlement. Matt never let me feel out of the loop and he was very responsive to my outreach even when I’d text him on days/times you wouldn’t always expect a working professional to respond. Matt’s ability to keep me as a client level headed and informed through the whole process was what made him good and his attention to detail and personal touch are what makes great. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an injury lawyer!
Matt Breeland is awesome! He’s a straight shooter that gets back to you right away. It was always easy to reach him, which can be a bit of a challenge with some attorneys. I would recommend having him handle your case!
After waiting for seven months for the at fault party’s insurance to finalize only to be offered an amount less than my deductible, I reached out to one of the “big” injury firms and was referred to Matt. I am so glad I made that call! Professional, highly communicative, and an easy demeanor reduced my stress around the situation greatly. I was hoping to get reimbursed for my out-of-pocket expenses around the rental car, lost wages, and vehicle replacement. In the end, I received over three times that amount. I hope not to need his services again, but I will surely be recommending him to anyone I know who does.
My first time involved in a medical injury case and Matt could not have handled it better, definitely recommend!
Matt did an outstanding job handling my injuries claim from the beginning to the end. His priority was how I could get I the best treatment . Always kept communication wide open, honest and very diligent. Very professional
Very professional attorney who got great results for my case. Would highly recommend!
he’s great! He helped me deal with a very difficult insurance company. He’s had much more profitable cases than mine, but he still helped. His negotiation skills are stellar and as busy as he is he still manages to be very communicative. He’ll make sure you get the medical treatment you need and he will also get to know you.
Mr. Breeland was very communicative, very professional. Great with his time management. As well being up front about everything from price to how long it could take. Made me feel like my case was very important to him as well.
Matt did a phenomenal job for me. His expertise, precision, and dedication was beyond what was expected. I hope I never have to deal with a situation like this again, but if I do; I at least know I have the best representation in town with Matt!
Outstanding Attorney And Staff. They Helped Me Immensely,Ensuring That I Received All The Necessary Treatment I Needed For My Recovery.
Matt was very professional, friendly and was assuring throughout the whole process. I could not recommend him enough!
After my car accident my father researched online for the top attorneys in Central Texas. Breeland Injury Law popped up. I gave him a call and the entire case was a pleasant experience. He and his team were very accessible and answered all of my questions and kept me abreast of every step in the process. I would definitely recommend Breeland Injury Law.
Matt and his team are amazing, they are extremely understanding of what their clients are dealing with and go above and beyond to get the best results possible. I highly recommend them for any of your personal injury needs!
Matt Breeland’s honesty and genuine care for me, his client, impressed me in all ways, and his many successes speak clearly of his legal talents. He and his office are easy to work with, and are gentle, even when you don’t understand the process. I highly recommend Matt Breeland.
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