Premises Liability

People who own or manage the property and open it to the public have a responsibility to keep the area free of hazards. Poor lighting, uneven floors, and even poor security can result in an accident that causes someone to get injured. Also, property owners may be responsible for the injuries resulting from criminal activity on their property, such as a robbery in a store’s parking lot. If you were injured on someone else’s property, the property owner and the property manager may owe you compensation. This can be a complex area of law, so contact our premises liability lawyers in Plano today to find out if you have grounds for an injury claim. Initial consultations are offered at no charge.

UNDERSTANDING PREMISES LIABILITY CLAIMS IN TEXAS

IN TEXAS, PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE A LEGAL DUTY TO KEEP THEIR PROPERTY SAFE

Under Texas law, all property owners who know or should have known about a dangerous condition or hazard on their property but failed to either: (1) warn visitors of the hazard or (2) repair the hazard or condition may be responsible for any injuries that a visitor to the property suffers because of the hazard. For example, if a grocery store’s manager knows that there was a liquid spilled on the floor of one of the aisles but they failed to clean it up, then the store can be legally responsible if a customer slips and falls because of the spill.

COMMON PREMISES LIABILITY ACCIDENTS ARE “SLIP AND FALL” CASES

Slip and fall claims are, by far, the most common type of premises liability claims in Texas. Many circumstances can result in a slip and fall injury. Often, these accidents are the result of negligence on the part of the business or the property owner. Whether your accident occurred on a residential or commercial property, you may have grounds to seek compensation for your injuries. This compensation is crucial to your recovery and can help you cover the expenses associated with your injury.

Slip and fall accidents can occur as a result of:

Poor or inadequate lighting
Damaged or inadequately maintained walkways
Uneven surfaces
Obstructions in walkways
Water or ice on pathways
Failure to warn of potentially dangerous conditions

After a slip and fall injury, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer, as you may have options you are unaware of. Additionally, some injuries, such as head injuries, back injuries, and broken bones, can result in the need for long-term medical care, and a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies to ensure that your medical needs are covered.

PREMISES LIABILITY CLAIMS INCLUDE BEING ATTACKED BY A PROPERTY OWNER’S DOG

Under Texas law, a person bitten by a dog may be able to recover compensation from the dog’s owner if:

The dog previously bit another individual or acted as though it wanted to bite someone, and
The dog’s owner was aware of the dog’s prior vicious conduct

Even the property’s owner, such as a landlord, may be responsible for your injuries if they knew that their tenant owned an aggressive dog that was likely to bite people on the property.

Click here to learn more about claims for dog bite injuries.

YOUR RIGHT TO COMPENSATION INCLUDES MANY THINGS

Your legal right to be compensated for your injuries includes many things, such as:

Past and future medical costs
Loss of earnings
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and benefits
Loss of companionship or consortium

INSURANCE COMPANIES AREN’T ALWAYS FAIR

In our experience, insurance companies and their adjusters oftentimes try to low-ball how much they will pay for your medical expenses, your lost wages, and other damages. In other words, many insurance companies are more focused on protecting their own bottom lines by undervaluing your claim instead of paying you what you deserve.

YOU NEED TO ACT QUICKLY TO PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

If you’ve been harmed in an auto accident, it is very important to speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible for 2 main reasons:

Your Time is Limited

First, the time to start a legal action for compensation is limited by Texas law to two years from the date of your injury. If you are in an accident involving a vehicle driven by a state or local government worker, the time to bring a claim for your injuries can be as short as 90 days from the date of the incident.

Evidence Needs to Be Preserved

Second, your lawyer needs to collect as much evidence as you can to support your claim before the evidence disappears and the witnesses forget what happened during the accident.

SOME PERSONAL INJURY CASES TAKE MORE TIME THAN OTHERS

We know that when you are facing medical expenses, you can’t work, and you are feeling financially pressured, you may be tempted to take the first offer that an insurance company makes. Before you accept a quick settlement offer, it is in your best interest to discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney. Our lawyers know the pressures you are under, and we work without delay to fight for the financial security you’ll need now and in the future.

OUR INJURY LAWYERS WORK ON A CONTINGENT-FEE BASIS

We know that most people can’t afford a lawyer who charges them by the hour. That’s why our injury law firm works on a contingent-fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we collect money for you.

If you were hurt in an auto accident, please contact our premises liability attorneys online or call us at 972-380-4444 for your free consultation.