Premises Liability Attorney in Houston, Texas

According to Texas law, all property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition and warn guests about hazardous conditions. This might involve regular inspection, routine maintenance, prompt repairs, and adequate warnings about unsafe areas on the property. A property owner who violates this legal duty of care and a person lawfully on their premises becomes hurt may be held responsible for the victim's injuries. 

If you were injured in an accident on another person's property, pursuing a premises liability claim may be a great option for you. Our attorney, Francisco G. Medina, offers personalized attention and compassionate representation to clients in their premises liability cases. We can evaluate the surrounding facts of your situation, seek to identify the liable party, and pursue your deserved financial compensation. 

The Law Offices of Francisco G. Medina proudly serves clients throughout Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas of Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Galveston. 

Premises Liability in Texas 

Premises liability is a legal concept pertaining to personal injury situations where a person becomes injured on someone's property due to the building's hazardous, defective, unsafe, or dangerous condition.  

Generally, Texas premises liability laws seek to hold the property owner liable for premises-related injuries sustained by a person—due to the property's unsafe conditions—provided that the person was lawfully on the property. 

Common Premises Liability Claims

People often think “slip and fall” when they hear premises liability. But that’s just one of the many incidents that can arise from poor property conditions. The following is a list of some events that commonly lead to premises liability injury claims: 

• Slip and fall accidents 

• Dog bites and other animal attacks 

• Staircase collapsing 

• Accidents involving fire 

• Negligent security leading to assault or injury 

• Water leaks or flooding 

• Snow and ice  

• Toxic fumes or chemicals 

• Balcony or porch collapses 

• Oilfield accidents 

• Electrocutions 

• Swimming pool accidents 

• Garage door mishaps 

• Oil leaks 

• Elevator and escalator malfunctions 

If you or someone close to you were hurt in an accident on another person's property, you should get in touch with a skilled premises liability attorney straightaway. Your legal counsel can help file your claims and seek to hold the negligent public or private property owner legally responsible for your injuries, damages, and losses. 

Private Property vs. Public Property Claims

Additionally, premises-related injuries may occur on private properties and on public properties managed or owned by the government. 

Public Property

Public properties include roadways, public playgrounds, theme parks, public libraries, parking lots, public schools, sidewalks, and other government establishments. 

Private Property

Private properties consist of both commercial and residential buildings, including residential apartments, condos, grocery stores, retail stores, and local supermarkets. 

Essentially, public and private property negligence are similar in premises liability cases. An injured person—who was lawfully on private property—may be eligible to recover damages for such premises-related injury sustained while on the property. 

Similarly, a person injured on a property owned or managed by a government agency may seek fair compensation from the government. Hence, whether your premises-related injuries occurred in a residential apartment, public library, or retail store, you may file a premises liability claim against the negligent property owner. 

Property Owner Duty of Care 

As mentioned earlier, owners of residential and commercial properties in Texas have a legal duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition that may not present unreasonable risks of injury or harm to residents and guests. 

In addition, the property owners must provide adequate warning to visitors about any unsafe condition of the property. In case the owner knew or should have reasonably known about the property's unsafe condition but failed to fix it or warn visitors, they could be held legally responsible for injuries. 

The Attractive Nuisance Doctrine

Under Texas law, an attractive nuisance can be described as an artificial condition on a property or land which can attract children to trespass—and possibly result in injury. Examples include rock faces and natural ponds. The Attractive Nuisance Doctrine assumes that children do not have the capacity to distinguish between what’s safe and what’s dangerous.  

Thus, the doctrine requires property owners to protect children from such dangerous or hazardous items through warning signs or intervention. If not, they may be held liable for injuries to children who trespass onto the property and get hurt. 

Get Legal Counsel Today

Filing claims and establishing liability for injuries sustained in an accident on someone's property can be complicated and difficult. To recover damages, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the premises' unsafe conditions but failed to repair it or warn you. That's why hiring a capable personal injury attorney is critical. 

With over 30 years of extensive legal experience, our attorney has the skill and resources to support and represent clients in their premises liability cases. As your representation, we can walk you through filing claims and seeking damages.