An Overview of Premises Liability in Texas

In law, premises liability refers to the factors that determine who is responsible for injuries someone sustains on another person’s property. Establishing premises liability in Texas requires showing that a property owner or occupier neglected a duty to a person visiting the property, causing damages.

Premises liability can be more complicated than you might expect, which is why our Austin-based team of lawyers at Carabin Shaw is committed to providing free case reviews and initial consultations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the toll-free number 800-862-1260 to speak to our staff in Spanish or English about the specific details of your case.

You might be wondering whether you could have a valid premises liability case for your injuries. Although there are many kinds of premises liability cases, you’re more likely to encounter the following situations in Texas:

• Slips and falls: This type is the most common premises liability case in general. These cases can involve spills, uneven ground, unexpected steps, damaged staircases, and similar potential hazards.
• Dog attacks: Texans love their dogs, but everyone deserves protection from dog bites and other attack injuries. Not every dog attack injury results in a premises liability case, but you might have a case if dangerous property conditions or a property owner’s negligence caused the attack.
• Premises defects: A premises defect is a known hazard, like a walkway obstruction that others have tripped on in the past, that a property owner fails to correct.
• Swimming pool accidents: Because this type of premises liability case frequently involves children at pools without guardian permission, a strong case often requires proving negligence regarding gates, fences, or pool coverings.
• Negligence of building codes: This type of case involves injuries due to property features such as doors or staircases that don’t meet code.

You might still have a case even if your circumstances aren’t described in the list above. An Austin premises liability attorney can help you determine whether you have cause for premises liability action. You might also be able to build a different type of case.

In Texas, “duty owed” by a property owner is determined by your status as a visitor on the property.

There are three basic statuses: invitee, licensee, and trespasser. A property owner doesn’t owe the same duty of care to a trespasser as they do to an invitee or licensee, for example. Still, there are exceptions even in cases where you might have been trespassing; an attorney can help you understand those fine distinctions.

If your visiting status permits a valid case, Texas liability laws cover most types of property. You could have a case if you sustained injuries in a friend’s yard, at a local business, or even on public property.

The Austin personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help you gather evidence to meet the following requirements for a successful premises liability case:

• The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
• The property owner didn’t take action to reduce the risk of harm.
• The property owner’s negligence caused your injuries.

In addition, a legal team helps quantify your recoverable damages, such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income.

In summary, our dedicated team ensures that you receive the best possible services for your case:

• Free case evaluation and initial consultation
• Spanish-speaking staff and attorneys
• Contact with staff 24/7
• Personal attention from your legal team
• Expert legal advice
• Years of experience with premises liability cases

You can read Carabin Shaw’s client reviews to learn more about how our team provides crucial legal support for Texans like you.