Accidents that occur on someone else’s property are among the most common sources of personal injuries in Houston. You may think property owners are responsible for accidents that happen on their premises, but that is not always the case. For example, while landowners have a legal obligation to protect their guests, the type of property where an accident occurs determines the extent of an owner’s responsibility for a person’s injuries.
A Houston private property premises liability lawyer can help you after you have been injured on someone else’s land. A dedicated premises liability representative at Roberts Markland LLP could evaluate your case, determine how your injury occurred, and gauge the impact that the incident had on your life.
Private property accidents are common: Something as simple as standing water could create a slippery floor, which might then lead to a fall. Other hazards that commonly cause injuries include:
These conditions can result in numerous injuries; accidents on someone else’s property commonly result in broken bones, separated joints, traumatic brain injuries, and burns.
A lawsuit following these injuries will seek the compensation needed to make things right, including payments for necessary medical care, lost income, and reduced quality of life. A diligent attorney in Houston can work to determine the cause of an injury and gauge your losses following an incident on private property.
Generally, private property owners have a responsibility to protect guests on their land. However, the extent of this responsibility depends on a guest’s reason for visiting a property. In most cases, private landowners invite guests onto their land for social events such as barbeques or birthday parties. The law considers these guests “licensees.”
While private property owners have a limited obligation to keep licensee guests safe from harm, the law requires them only to protect these guests from known dangers. When the property owner had no prior knowledge of the hazard that caused the accident, they might not bear liability. Additionally, the property owner might argue that an accident occurred because of the injured guest’s lack of awareness or caution.
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.003, the plaintiff in a personal injury case cannot collect full compensation when they share partial responsibility for the accident that led to the injury. Furthermore, if the court determines injured person bears 50 percent or more of the responsibility for the accident, they cannot collect any payment whatsoever. On the other hand, a hardworking lawyer in Houston could prove that the private landowner—not you—was entirely responsible for your accident.
Private landowners have a duty to protect invited guests on their land. Owners must warn visitors of known hazards and take appropriate steps to prevent injuries or physical harm. Failing to provide this protection makes landowners responsible for all resulting injuries and losses.
A Houston private property premises liability lawyer is ready to help you collect the compensation you need to set things right. A legal representative can show a landowner had prior knowledge of a dangerous situation and that their failure to mitigate the risk caused your injuries. Additionally, an attorney could demonstrate how the event has affected your life and demand compensation through insurance settlements and lawsuits. Call now to learn more.
