Houston Premises Liability Attorneys
- Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Houston
- Slip and Fall Premises Liability Cases
- How to Determine Fault in Premise Liability Cases
- Injuries in Swimming Pool Accidents on Someone Else's Property
- Security Negligence and Possible Negligent Security Cases
- Let Our Houston Premises Liability Lawyer Help You Now
When you are visiting someone else’s property in Houston, you expect that the owner has done everything in their power to provide a safe environment. Routine maintenance, timely repairs, and standard safety precautions are all a part of a property owner’s responsibility. Failing to complete these tasks creates a dangerous situation that can quickly lead to a serious or life-threatening accident.
A property owner who demonstrates negligence regarding the safety of their property puts others at risk of serious harm. No one should expect you to pay for the injuries you sustained as a result of someone else’s careless actions. If you or a loved one has been injured on another person’s property due to an unsafe condition, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries.
The Houston premises liability lawyers at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., are ready to help you fight to receive the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and move forward with your life. We are committed to holding the negligent property owner accountable. Our trial attorneys have the skill and experience necessary to help you seek justice.
You need to act quickly after a serious property accident to protect your legal rights and file your claim before it is too late. Take the first step toward seeking full compensation by contacting Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., at (713) 565-1899 right now.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a part of personal injury law that helps determine when a property owner is liable for an injury on their property. A property owner has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to maintain their property in a safe condition and to provide adequate warning of any property hazards that cannot be fixed promptly. If a property owner’s negligent or careless actions lead to an accident, the property owner may be responsible for the resulting injuries.
For example, if a property owner notices a water leak that makes the floor slippery, the property owner must take steps to correct the safety issue. These steps include cleaning up the water on the floor, repairing the leak, and posting warnings about the slippery surface. If a person slips and falls after the owner has taken these steps, the owner may not be responsible for the accident.
However, if the owner ignores the problem or forgets to place warning signs near the slippery area, the property owner may be found to be negligent. Under premises liability law, a visitor who falls and is injured because of the wet floor may have a right to take legal action against the property owner.
Although this scenario provides a concrete example of premises liability, in reality, determining liability after an accident is rarely so simple. The exact circumstances that lead to an accident are often complex, and the person at fault may try to discredit your claim. That is why you need a skilled Houston injury attorney representing you when you file a premises liability claim.
Who Is Responsible for an Injury that Occurs on Someone Else’s Property?
In the state of Texas, a property owner or occupant may be liable for an accident on their property if they neglect their duty to provide a safe environment. However, this duty does not extend to all visitors equally.
Texas premises liability law separates visitors into one of three categories:
- Invitee – a person with an express or implied invitation to the property for personal or business reasons, such as an individual visiting a friend’s home or a customer shopping in a retail store. The property owner owes invitees the highest level of safety possible.
- Licensee – a person who has permission to be on the property but does not have a specified invitation. Licensees may include people such as a real estate agent touring a home or a utility worker reading a meter. The property owner must warn licensees about potential dangers on the property, but they are not responsible for unknown hazards.
- Trespasser – a person who has no right or legal reason to be on the property. A trespasser does not have permission from the owner to be on the property for business or personal reasons. Property owners are typically not liable for injuries a trespasser sustains on their property.
A visitor’s status is important in determining a property owner’s liability after an accident in Texas.
The law makes an exception for trespassers who are young children. Property owners may be liable for injuries to young children who trespass on a property because of a feature that attracts their attention, such as a swimming pool, trampoline, or jungle gym. The property owner may be responsible for the child’s injuries if they did not take reasonable steps to secure a dangerous area and prevent access.
Dangerous Areas Regarding Premises Liability in Houston
Dangerous accidents can occur at any time and in any place. Even some of the locations you visit every day in Houston may pose serious risks if they are not properly maintained.
Some of the most common dangerous areas you may encounter include:
- Swimming pools
- Amusement parks
- Grocery stores
- Shopping centers
- Parking lots
- Hospitals
- Stairs and escalators
- Apartment buildings
Some places are more dangerous than others because of the types of activities that occur there. However, no matter whether you are on private or public property, if you are an invitee or a licensee, you have the right to expect reasonable safety.
Common Injuries Suffered from Houston Premises Liability Accidents
Depending on the type of premises liability accident you experience, you may suffer a variety of different injuries. These injuries can range from minor to severe, and they may result in life-altering consequences for you and your loved ones.
Some of the most common injuries you may sustain during an accident include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises and swelling
- Strains or sprains
- Dislocations
- Fractured and shattered bones
- Neck or spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
Any of these injuries may require emergency treatment and ongoing medical care so you can heal after an accident. Extensive medical treatment is often expensive, but you should not have the burden of medical debt because of someone else’s carelessness or disregard for safety. The money you recover from your lawsuit can help ensure that you get the medical care you need without jeopardizing your financial future.
In the most severe cases, a serious accident can be deadly. Losing a loved one is devastating, but knowing that someone could have prevented the accident makes the loss even more painful. If a loved one was killed in an accident on another person’s property, you need to discuss the details with a Houston wrongful death lawyer. You may be entitled to greater compensation to cover funeral costs and lost future income.
What Are the Steps to Take if You Are Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
After a serious accident, you may not be sure what to do next. It can be difficult to think clearly when you are in pain, and your body is filled with adrenaline. Following the appropriate steps after an accident can ensure that you have the evidence necessary if you need to pursue a lawsuit.
If you are injured on another person’s property, you should always try to complete the following steps:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Take photos of the dangerous condition
- File an accident report if you are in a commercial space
- Talk with the property owner or manager about the dangerous condition
- Look for any posted warnings or signs
- Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information
- Take photos of your injury
The evidence you gather at the time of your accident can greatly improve your chances of recovering significant compensation for your injuries.
How Can a Houston Premises Liability Lawyer Help You?
Premises liability law is confusing and complex. You cannot expect to understand every aspect of the law on your own, especially when you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury. To ensure that you receive the greatest possible compensation for your case, you need to work with an experienced Houston premises liability lawyer at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C.
Our law firm has extensive resources, including an accident investigation team, that we use to gather evidence after serious accidents. We have attorneys and staff who speak Spanish and English. We are proud to offer skilled legal representation in combination with compassionate counsel. Our attorneys take the time to get to know you and the details of your case so we can offer personalized solutions that fit your needs.
Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi South Side, Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Houston, and Ft. Worth , TX.
If you or a loved one were hurt on another person’s property, you should consult with a premises liability lawyer to understand your legal rights. Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., is ready to fight with you. Contact Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., at (713) 565-1899 today to start work on your case.
