A Galveston resident has sued Valero Refining-Texas and Hertz Equipment Rental after he slipped and fell on the step of a lift and injured his left thumb and hand. According to a news report in the Southeast Texas Record, the incident occurred November 1, 2010. The man was apparently using a scissor lift, which was rented or leased to his employer. He slipped on a step of the lift and suffered injuries. The lawsuit alleges that Hertz supplied the scissor lift in defective condition and that Valero inspected the equipment and allowed its use in spite of the safety issues. The complaint also alleges that Hertz failed to warn about the product’s lack of anti-slip materials. The victim is seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial.
Slip-and-fall accidents are extremely common at a number of workplaces. They are common in industrial or construction settings. A fall can occur during acts such as walking, climbing a ladder, or while working from heights. According to 2009 statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 605 workers were killed and an estimated 212,760 workers were seriously injured as a result of falls.
When a slip-and-fall accident occurs, it is important to determine where and how the accident occurred. If the fall occurred as a result of the property owner’s negligence, a premises liability claim may be filed against the owner. If a defective product, such as a ladder, caused or contributed to the incident, the manufacturer of the defective product can also be held liable. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a slip-and-fall accident, an experienced Lewisville premises liability lawyer may be able to help you obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.





