Premises Liability in Texas

Premises liability law holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents that occur on their premises due to unsafe conditions. While the most common type of premises liability claim is a slip and fall, serious injuries from various hazards also give rise to these claims. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe environments for those on their property, and when they fail in this duty, they may be held liable for resulting injuries.

Premises Liability and the Status of the Injured Party

In Texas, the extent of a property owner’s liability depends on the injured person’s status on the property. Texas law classifies individuals who are injured on someone else’s property into three main categories:

   Invitee

An invitee is someone who is invited, either expressly or impliedly, onto a property for business or social purposes. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. This includes taking every reasonable step to prevent harm, inspecting the property for hazards, and fixing dangerous conditions to ensure their safety.

   Licensee

A licensee enters the property for their own purposes, but with the property owner's consent. The duty of care owed to a licensee is lower than that of an invitee. While the property owner is not required to fix hazards, they must warn the licensee of any hidden dangers that could cause harm.

    Trespasser

 A trespasser enters the property without permission and without a lawful purpose. In general, property owners owe no duty of care to adult trespassers, and they are not obligated to fix or warn about hazardous conditions. However, if a property owner knows that trespassers are likely to enter the property and fails to act in a way that ensures safety, a trespasser may still have grounds to recover damages if injured.

Premises Liability Claims in Texas

Premises liability claims can arise from various types of accidents, including:
 

• Slip and fall accidents

• Trips over uneven surfaces or obstacles   

• Injuries from defective stairways, railings, or elevators

• Exposure to toxic substances or hazardous conditions

• Injuries caused by insufficient security or inadequate lighting

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can assess your case, determine the extent of the property owner’s liability, and ensure that your legal rights to compensation are fully protected.
 

Contact Giddens & Burns for a Free Consultation

Premises liability cases can be complex, and the outcome often depends on factors such as the status of the injured party and the property owner’s actions. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, don’t wait to take action.

Call Giddens & Burns today at 713-947-0001 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our skilled attorneys will help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.