Houston Premises Liability Lawyer

When you visit someone else’s property, whether it’s a grocery store, a friend’s home, or a public park, you expect to be safe. Unfortunately, accidents can happen when property owners fail to maintain their premises or address potential hazards. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

At Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced Houston premises liability attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims protect their rights and seek the compensation they deserve.

Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents in Houston

Premises liability accidents can take many forms, but some of the most common include:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents often occur due to slippery surfaces, poor lighting, or uneven flooring. These hazards can be found in a variety of settings, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and apartment complexes. When a property owner fails to address these issues or warn visitors of potential dangers, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can be particularly devastating, especially when they involve children. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their pools have proper fencing, barriers, and adequate supervision. Failure to do so can lead to drowning or near-drowning incidents, as well as slip and fall accidents around the pool area.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Under Texas law, dog owners have a responsibility to control their pets and prevent them from causing harm to others. If a property owner’s dog bites or attacks a visitor, the owner may be held liable for the injuries sustained. This is especially true if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or if the owner failed to take reasonable precautions to protect others.

Inadequate Security

Property owners have a duty to provide a safe environment for their visitors, which includes implementing adequate security measures. If a visitor is assaulted or robbed due to insufficient security, the property owner may be held responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses.

Premises Liability Law in Texas

In Texas, premises liability law is governed by the concept of duty of care. The level of care a property owner owes to a visitor depends on the visitor’s status:

Invitees

Invitees are individuals who are expressly or implicitly invited onto a property for the owner’s benefit, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, requiring them to maintain safe conditions and warn of any known hazards.

Licensees

Licensees are individuals who enter a property with the owner’s permission but for their own purposes, such as social guests. Property owners must warn licensees of known dangers but are not required to inspect the premises for hidden hazards.

Trespassers

Trespassers are individuals who enter a property without the owner’s permission. Property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, with some exceptions for children who may be attracted to dangerous conditions on the property (known as the “attractive nuisance” doctrine).

To establish negligence in a premises liability claim, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your injuries, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident

If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention — Your first priority should be to seek medical attention for your injuries.
2. Report the Incident — Notify the property owner or manager about the accident as soon as possible.
3. Document the Scene — If possible, take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your accident.
4. Contact an Experienced Houston Premises Liability Lawyer – Your attorney can guide you through the process, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Our Houston Premises Liability Attorneys Can Help

At Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a premises liability accident can take on victims and their families. That’s why we’re committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to each of our clients.

Here’s how our Houston premises liability attorneys can help with your case:

• Thorough Investigation — We’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, gathering evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies — Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out in premises liability claims.
• Preparation for Trial — While many premises liability cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations, some may require going to trial.

At Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, we believe in providing our clients with personalized attention and guidance throughout the legal process. We’ll keep you informed about the progress of your case, address your concerns, and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to alleviate your stress and allow you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your claim.

Damages in a Houston Premises Liability Lawsuit

If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident, you may be entitled to various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of your case. These may include:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, medication costs, and future treatment needs
• Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages, in cases where the property owner’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional

Our Houston premises liability attorneys will work diligently to assess the full extent of your damages and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

We’re Your Trusted Advocate in Houston Premises Liability Cases

If you or a loved one has been injured in a premises liability accident, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. The experienced Houston premises liability lawyers at Dodson Law Firm, PLLC are here to help. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex premises liability cases and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Texas.

Don’t wait to seek the legal representation you deserve. Contact Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Houston premises liability attorneys.