Houston Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability law makes property owners responsible for keeping their places safe to prevent injuries to visitors. Whether it’s an injury from poor security or dangerous conditions, understanding your choices can greatly affect your recovery. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Houston, it’s important to know your legal rights.

At Robert Law Group, we focus on helping accident victims deal with premises liability claims. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t delay—call us today at 832-509-2303 for a free consultation. Let our team guide you through the legal process with care and skill.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability means property owners have a legal duty to keep their places safe for visitors. In Houston, this means property owners must be careful with anyone who comes onto their property. Premises liability duty changes based on whether the person is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.

• Invitees, such as customers or clients, are owed the highest level of care. Property owners must regularly check the premises, fix potential dangers, and warn of any risks.
• Licensees, like social guests, are owed a moderate level of care. Property owners must inform them of known dangers that aren’t obvious and avoid causing harm.
• Trespassers are owed the least care. Property owners must not intentionally harm them but generally aren’t required to ensure their safety.

In Texas, property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe by regularly inspecting and fixing potential hazards. Whether it’s a retail store, an apartment complex, or a construction site, the property owner should take steps to prevent accidents. Failing in these responsibilities can lead to serious injuries and claims for liability.

The goal of premises liability law is to protect visitors from harm and hold irresponsible property owners accountable.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

At Robert Law Group, we handle a variety of premises liability cases. We focus on addressing negligence that leads to serious injuries, ensuring our clients get the justice they deserve. 

These are just some of the types of premises liability cases we manage:

• Negligent Security: Where poor security measures lead to injuries or harm.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Incidents involving unsafe conditions or lack of supervision at pools.
• Retail Store Accidents: Injuries from poorly maintained store environments.
• Construction Site Accidents: Harm from hazardous conditions on construction sites.
• Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Faulty equipment causing serious injuries.
• Toxic Exposure: Exposure to harmful substances on a property.

Our team ensures that we handle each case with care and dedication, helping victims understand their rights and seek fair compensation.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Accidents

Premises liability accidents often cause serious injuries that can have lasting effects on victims’ lives. Common injuries include:

• Fractures: Broken bones can result in significant pain, medical expenses, and long recovery periods.
• Sprains: These injuries often require physical therapy and time off work, leading to financial strain.
• Head Trauma: This can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries, affecting cognitive function and daily life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Such injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering a person’s quality of life.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: These serious injuries can have long-lasting effects on memory, behavior, and physical abilities.
• Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain from injuries can hinder one’s ability to work and perform daily activities, causing emotional distress.

Getting injured in a premises liability accident can be difficult on both your health and your wallet. It’s important to get compensated to help pay for medical bills, lost income, and other costs, so you can concentrate on getting better without extra worries.

What to Do After an Accident or Injury on a Property

If you have an accident or injury on someone else’s property, it’s important to document the incident thoroughly to build a strong premises liability case because, under premises liability laws, property owners can be held responsible for their negligence in keeping safe conditions.

After experiencing an accident or injury on someone else’s property, it’s important to take these steps to build a strong premises liability claim:

• Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident site, focusing on any hazards or conditions that contributed to your injury.
• Collect Witness Information: Obtain contact details and statements from any witnesses who saw the incident occur.
• Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident as soon as possible.
• Seek Medical Attention: Get immediate medical care to address your injuries and create an official record, which will support your claim for medical expenses and other damages.

How Can I Gather Evidence for My Premises Liability Claim?

Collecting evidence is key to supporting your premises liability claim. Here are some straightforward steps to help you gather the necessary information:

1. Take Photos: Right after the accident, use your phone or camera to snap clear pictures of the area. Focus on any hazards that caused your injury, like wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting. Also, take photos of your injuries to show their extent.
2. Get Witness Statements: If anyone saw what happened, ask for their contact details and request a brief statement about what they observed. Witnesses can help confirm what you say happened.
3. Secure Medical Records: Make sure to visit a doctor quickly and keep all documents related to your treatment. These records show proof of your injuries and the medical costs you faced. They also help connect the accident to your injuries.

By following these steps, you can build a strong premises liability case and improve your chances of getting compensation.

Proving Fault in Premises Liability Claims

Proving fault in premises liability claims establishes the property owner’s legal responsibility for the accident. To show negligence, it’s necessary to demonstrate that the property owner’s actions or lack thereof directly led to the injury. This means proving that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it. 

Evidence proves that the injuries would not have happened if the property had been properly maintained. Having solid proof is important, as compensation in premises liability cases can be reduced based on the injured party’s fault.

What if I Was Partially at Fault for My Injury?

In premises liability cases, sometimes the injured person might share some blame for the accident. Consider a scenario where you are attending a social event at a friend’s apartment complex. The event is held in a common area that features a barbecue grill. While using the grill, you fail to notice a warning sign indicating that the grill is malfunctioning and should not be used. Ignoring the sign, you proceed to cook, and the grill malfunctions, causing a fire that results in burns.

In this case, you might be partially at fault for the injury because you disregarded the clear warning sign. However, the property owner could also share responsibility if they failed to ensure the grill was properly maintained or removed from use. This shared fault could impact the compensation you receive, as any settlement might be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you for ignoring the warning.

In Texas, you can still get money for your injuries even if you’re partly at fault, as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

It’s important to have a skilled premises liability lawyer to help ensure your fault is accurately determined and you get the most compensation possible.

What is Open and Obvious in Texas Premises Liability?

In Texas premises liability law, “open and obvious” refers to hazards on a property that are easy to see and should be avoided by anyone paying attention. This idea is important when proving who is at fault in a premises liability claim, as it can affect whether a property owner is held responsible for an accident.

The “open and obvious” rule means property owners might not be responsible for injuries from dangers that are clearly visible and should be avoided by visitors using common sense. 

For example, if someone slips on a floor with a clear “wet floor” sign, the property owner might argue that the danger was open and obvious, which could reduce their responsibility for the incident.

For someone hurt in an accident, knowing if the hazard was open and obvious is important. If a property owner proves that the danger was clear, it might limit or remove their liability for the injury. However, this doesn’t always free property owners from all responsibility. Sometimes, even obvious dangers might still need warnings or extra safety measures if they pose a big risk.

What to Expect During the Premises Liability Claim Process

When you contact our Houston premises liability lawyers at Robert Law Group, we start by explaining the premises liability claim process. This first meeting helps us look at your case, understand your injury, and talk about your legal choices.

Once we take on your case, our team will collect important evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage, to build a solid case. We will handle all discussions with the insurance company, making sure your interests are protected and that you’re not pressured into taking a low settlement.

Throughout the process, we keep you updated on any changes, providing answers to any questions you may have. Our goal is to assist you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final resolution, whether through settlement or court, ensuring you receive the financial and physical recovery you are entitled to.

Will My Case Go to Court or Settle Out of Court?

Most premises liability cases are settled out of court. Settling is often preferred by both sides because it resolves the matter faster and avoids the costs and uncertainties of a trial. 

Insurance companies usually want to settle to avoid the expenses and unpredictability of court proceedings. However, it’s important that the settlement is fair and covers all your expenses, like medical bills and lost wages.

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case might go to court. This typically happens if the insurance company disputes who is responsible or offers an amount that doesn’t meet your needs. In court, a judge or jury will look at the evidence, decide who is at fault, and determine the compensation. 

While going to trial might result in higher compensation, it also takes more time, involves legal fees, and carries the risk of a less favorable outcome.

How Robert Law Group Can Help with Your Premises Liability Case

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, dealing with insurance companies and proving fault can be overwhelming. Insurance providers often try to minimize payouts or deny responsibility altogether. At Robert Law Group, we level the playing field, ensuring you receive fair treatment and the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather key evidence, and build strong claims to hold negligent property owners accountable. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Taking the first step is simple—contact us at 832-509-2303 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process. We charge our personal injury clients a contingency fee, so you only pay if you recover damages. Let Robert Law Group fight for the compensation you deserve.