Williford Law | Serious Legal Representation for Injuries Caused by Faulty or Collapsing Gates
When a Gate Meant to Protect Becomes a Life-Threatening Hazard, We Step In
Heavy metal gates — whether automatic, sliding, or swinging — are supposed to offer safety and security. But when they’re poorly installed, improperly maintained, or negligently operated, they become extremely dangerous.
At Williford Law, we represent individuals in Texas who have suffered serious injury or lost loved ones due to falling, slamming, or crushing gate incidents. From residential complexes and parking lots to commercial facilities and job sites, we hold property owners, contractors, and manufacturers accountable for failing to keep these powerful systems safe.
Common Causes of Gate-Related Injuries
Cause of Injury | Where It Happens |
The automatic gate slams shut unexpectedly | Apartments, gated communities, industrial zones |
The gate lacks a safety sensor or fails to reverse | Duplexes, homeowner associations, and job sites |
A sliding gate crushes a pedestrian or child | Playgrounds, residential entryways, or retail areas |
Older models, DIY installations, and uninspected devices | Older models, DIY installations, and uninspected devices |
The gate collapses during high winds or use | Older models, DIY installations, uninspected devices |
Parking garages, schools, and commercial buildings | Construction zones, event setups, improperly anchored gates |
We launch immediate investigations into ownership records, maintenance logs, installation specs, and surveillance footage to build a compelling case for liability.
Severe Injuries Caused by Heavy Gate Accidents
Heavy gates often weigh hundreds of pounds and can cause:
- Crush injuries to the chest, limbs, or pelvis
- Amputations or limb loss
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from impact or collapse
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe fractures requiring reconstructive surgery
- Wrongful death, especially in children or elderly victims
We work with trauma surgeons, orthopedic experts, and life care planners to ensure every medical detail is documented and compensated.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Gate-Related Injuries?
Party | Example of Legal Responsibility |
Property owner / landlord | Failed to inspect, repair, or replace dangerous gate equipment |
Homeowners association (HOA) | Ignored complaints or approved unsafe installations |
Property owner/landlord | Used improper parts, poor anchoring, or violated local building codes |
Maintenance company | Failed to detect issues during inspection or service |
Manufacturer or distributor | Sold a defective or unsafe gate system without proper safety features |
We hold all negligent parties accountable — from the ones who designed the gate to the ones who allowed it to operate unsafely.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on the facts of your case, we may pursue damages for:
- Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, rehab, prosthetics, or home care
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological support
- Loss of income or future earning ability
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was lost)
- Punitive damages for egregious safety violations
Gate injury cases often involve life-changing harm. We take that seriously and build claims that reflect the full cost of recovery.
Why Choose Williford Law?
- Experienced in premises liability, defective equipment, and catastrophic injury litigation
- Trial-prepared strategy that puts pressure on insurers and corporate defendants
- Access to engineers, building code experts, and mechanical failure specialists
- A responsive legal team that walks with you through every stage of recovery
- No upfront fees — we only get paid if we win for you
We don’t just file claims. We investigate, build, and litigate to win.
FAQs: Heavy Gate Injury Lawsuits in Texas
Can I sue if the gate was on someone else’s property?
Yes. Texas law requires property owners to maintain safe conditions. If you were lawfully on the property, you may have a premises liability claim.
What if the gate were automatic or electric?
Gate systems must have proper sensors, stopping mechanisms, and maintenance. If those failed, you may have a product liability or negligence case.
What if my child were injured by a gate?
You can file on their behalf. Courts give special attention to gate injuries involving children, especially when the gate wasn’t secured or lacked warnings.
How long do I have to file?
You typically have 2 years from the date of injury, but early investigation is critical to preserving physical evidence and witness accounts.