Texas Premises Liability Attorneys

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries caused by dangerous or defective conditions on their property. In Texas, a property owner who knew or should have known about a hazard and failed to correct it or warn of it can be held legally responsible for the resulting harm.

Common hazards that give rise to claims include:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Broken stairs or railings
• Poor lighting in hallways or parking lots
• Uneven sidewalks or flooring
• Falling objects
• Inadequate security
• Dog bites or animal attacks
• Exposed wires or hazardous chemicals

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Texas

Premises liability cases arise in businesses, private homes, public spaces, and government-owned properties across Texas. Hilliard Law handles all of the following case types:

• Slip and fall accidents: Among the most frequent premises liability claims, these often involve spilled liquids, freshly mopped floors without warning signs, icy or uneven walkways, and loose rugs.
• Trip and fall accidents: Injuries from uneven pavement, torn carpeting, broken stairs, or unexpected elevation changes.
• Negligent security cases: A property owner who fails to provide adequate lighting, locks, surveillance, or security personnel may be liable for assaults, robberies, or violent crimes on the premises.
• Dog bites and animal attacks: Texas property owners can be held responsible when their animal attacks a visitor, particularly when the animal had a known history of aggression or the owner failed to restrain it.
• Swimming pool accidents: Unsecured pools are especially dangerous for children. Property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps, such as installing fences and gates, to prevent accidental drownings or injuries.
• Falling objects: Merchandise or equipment falling from shelves in stores or warehouses can cause severe head, neck, or back injuries.

Texas Premises Liability Laws

Texas law classifies injured visitors into three categories, and the duty of care owed by the property owner depends on which category applies.

• Invitees (such as customers in a store) are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must actively inspect, repair dangerous conditions, and warn of known hazards.
• Licensees (such as a social guest at a private home) are owed a duty to warn of known dangers that are not otherwise obvious.
• Trespassers are generally owed no duty of care, with one important exception: the attractive nuisance doctrine protects children who trespass because of a feature that draws their attention, such as a swimming pool or trampoline.

Texas follows modified comparative fault under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. A plaintiff's compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault, and a plaintiff found more than 50% at fault is barred from recovery entirely. The statute of limitations for premises liability claims is two years from the date of injury under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003. Claims against government entities follow stricter rules, including shorter notice-of-claim windows, so acting promptly is critical.

When Is a Texas Property Owner Liable?

To establish liability in a Texas premises liability case, four elements must be proven:

• A dangerous condition existed on the property
• The property owner knew or reasonably should have known about the condition
• The owner failed to repair, remove, or warn about the hazard
• The dangerous condition directly caused the injury, and the claimant suffered actual damages

Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records to build a strong liability argument. Evidence in these cases can disappear quickly: surveillance footage gets recycled, and maintenance records can be altered. Acting promptly matters.

Compensation Available in Texas Premises Liability Cases

If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Out-of-pocket expenses

In cases involving extreme negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be available. Our premises liability lawyers at Hilliard Law evaluate the full extent of your damages and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Hilliard Law, our lawyers have been helping victims of personal injury since 1985. We know how to fight for you, so call (866) 927-3420 or contact us online today.