What Should I Do If I Get Injured at the Space Center in Houston?
A fun day at the Houston Space Center can quickly turn stressful if you suffer an injury during your visit. Knowing what steps to take to protect yourself and your rights is essential if you’re looking to file a personal injury claim, whether it’s a slip and fall or an injury caused by another visitor’s negligence.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always come first. Call 911 or ask someone nearby for emergency help if your injuries are severe. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting checked out by a medical professional is essential. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries leading to brain injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can become serious if untreated. Medical records also play a key role in supporting a personal injury claim.
Report the Accident
As soon as possible, notify a staff member or supervisor at the Space Center about your injury. Ask them to create an official incident report and request a copy for your records. This step creates documentation of the event, which may be crucial if you file a claim for damages later.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, gather evidence from the scene of the accident. Take photos or videos of where the injury occurred, including any hazards like wet floors, broken equipment, or poor lighting. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw what happened. This evidence can help establish liability if the property owner or another party disputes your claim.
Understand Potential Liability
Property owners and operators of premises like the Houston Space Center owe a duty of care to their guests. This means they must take reasonable steps to keep the property safe.
If unsafe conditions caused your injury, the property owner or operator may be liable under premises liability law. In Texas, these cases often hinge on whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it in time.
In some cases, a third party may also be responsible. For example, if defective equipment or a faulty product contributed to your injury, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability law.
Follow Up with Medical Treatment
Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions. Gaps in medical treatment can weaken your case because insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports; these documents will help prove your damages.
Don’t Rush to Accept a Settlement
If the Space Center’s insurance company contacts you, they may offer a quick settlement. While it may be tempting to accept, initial offers are often far lower than you may be entitled to. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later. Speaking with an attorney before signing anything can help ensure your rights are protected.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
You may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages depending on your case. For example:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries are among the leading causes of emergency room visits and injuries in the U.S. Protecting your right to compensation can help you recover financially and physically.
Contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Recovering from an injury at the Space Center can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A personal injury lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our team can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
