When you’re hurt on someone else’s property in Houston, you need a premises liability lawyer familiar with Texas law and experienced in holding property owners accountable. Gibson Hill Personal Injury has represented clients seeking compensation for slip and fall incidents, negligent security cases, and other property‑related injuries. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Gibson Hill Personal Injury for Your Premises Liability Case
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we focus on pursuing fair compensation for people injured because of unsafe property conditions. Our team gives each premises liability case careful attention and dedication. We understand that an unexpected injury can lead to expensive medical bills, missed work, and pain and suffering that interfere with your daily life.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. Our clients appreciate that we handle the legal details while they focus on treatment and recovery. Visit our testimonials page to see what past clients have said about working with our firm.
We’re available 24/7 to answer questions and discuss your situation. When you call (713) 659-4000, you’ll speak with a team member who is familiar with premises liability law and cares about helping injured people. We offer a free consultation to review your claim and discuss your legal options.
What Is Premises Liability in Texas?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility a property owner or occupier has to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. Under Texas property law, property owners must use ordinary care to keep their property reasonably safe and warn visitors of known dangers that could cause injury. This principle is fundamental to personal injury law in Texas.
This duty of care differs depending on the visitor’s status:
Invitees (such as customers or tenants): property owners owe a duty to inspect for and correct or warn of hazards they know about or should know about.
Licensees (like social guests): property owners must warn them of known dangerous conditions.
Trespassers: property owners cannot intentionally harm them and must avoid gross negligence.
If a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions or to warn of known hazards, and that failure causes someone’s injury, the injured person may bring a premises liability claim. A Houston personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and potential remedies.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents in Houston
Premises liability accidents can occur in a variety of settings, such as:
- Slip and fall accidents from wet floors, spills, or uneven surfaces
- Negligent security incidents where inadequate lighting or security measures contribute to assaults or robberies
- Injuries from poor maintenance, such as broken stairs or damaged railings
- Structural or mechanical defects, like broken elevators or escalators
- Dog bites or animal attacks occurring on another’s property
- Accidents from unaddressed hazards in common areas or walkways
Each type of accident involves different evidence and legal considerations. Our team investigates the cause and works to build the strongest possible claim under Texas law. Understanding how fault is determined in these cases is critical to your recovery.
What You Must Prove in a Premises Liability Claim
To recover compensation in a Texas premises liability claim, a plaintiff generally must establish:
- The property owner owed a legal duty of care.
- The property owner breached that duty by failing to address a dangerous condition or to warn about it.
- The breach caused the plaintiff’s injury.
- The plaintiff suffered measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
For example, if a store is aware of a spill but fails to clean it or post a warning, and a customer slips and is injured, that may support a claim for damages. Understanding how fault is determined in a premises liability case is essential to building a strong claim. Our experienced attorneys can help you gather the evidence needed to prove each element.
Damages You May Recover in a Premises Liability Case
If your premises liability claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non‑economic damages.
Economic damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other documented financial losses. These are often the easiest to calculate and document.
Non‑economic damages may include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, or reduced quality of life. Learn more about the types of damages available in personal injury cases and how they’re calculated.
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Texas law allows punitive damages intended to penalize especially unsafe behavior.
Our team seeks to identify all damages available under the law. We collect documentation, medical records, and financial information to support your claim and pursue a fair recovery. For detailed information on how settlements are structured, see our guide on how personal injury settlements work in Houston. Understanding economic damages vs non-economic damages is crucial to valuing your case properly.
Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident
These steps can help protect your health and preserve evidence for your claim:
- Seek medical care immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries, to ensure proper documentation.
- Document the scene by photographing the hazardous condition and the surrounding area from multiple angles.
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written record.
- Get the witness contact information if anyone saw the event.
- Preserve evidence, such as your clothing, shoes, and medical bills or receipts.
- Contact a Houston premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. Texas generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability lawsuit.
For more guidance on what to do immediately after an injury, review our comprehensive guide on what to do after an accident.
Why Insurance Companies Dispute Premises Liability Claims
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts in injury claims. They may argue that:
- You shared responsibility for your accident.
- You failed to notice the posted warnings.
- You exaggerated your injuries, or your condition was pre‑existing.
Adjusters sometimes request recorded statements early on or make quick settlement offers that undervalue claims. They may also delay negotiations to pressure claimants into settling. Learn how to negotiate a settlement effectively with an insurance claims adjuster.
We handle all communications with insurers, investigate the facts, and work to demonstrate the property owner’s responsibility. If an insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are prepared to take your case to court. Understanding your rights is critical. See our guide on what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
Texas follows a comparative negligence rule: if you were partly at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, and recovery is barred only if you are found more than 50% responsible. For more details, read about Texas comparative negligence and the 51 percent bar rule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Houston
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law generally gives injured persons two years from the date of the incident to file a premises liability lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to pursue compensation. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible helps protect your claim.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Yes. Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rules, you can still recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Learn more about how to measure shared fault in a car accident and how this principle applies to premises liability cases.
What if the property owner says I was trespassing?
Property owners must still refrain from intentionally harming or grossly negligently harming trespassers. In limited situations, such as when the owner knows of frequent trespassers or intentionally creates a trap, liability may still exist. A lawyer can review the facts of your situation and explain your legal rights.
Do I need a lawyer for my premises liability case?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having legal representation can make the process easier and help you pursue fair compensation. A lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and communicate with the insurance company while you focus on recovery. Gibson Hill Personal Injury handles these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. Learn more about why you should get a lawyer for your injury case.
How much does it cost to hire Gibson Hill Personal Injury?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay up‑front legal fees, and payment is only due if we secure compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, discussed in advance, so there are no financial surprises.
How long does a premises liability case take?
The duration varies. Some cases settle within a few months once the evidence and demand are submitted to the insurer; others may take longer if litigation is necessary. We keep clients updated throughout the process and explain each stage clearly. For more information, see our guide on how long a personal injury lawsuit takes.
Contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury for a Free Case Review
If you were injured on someone else’s property in Houston, reach out today for legal guidance. Call (713) 659-4000 to speak with a Houston premises liability lawyer who can review your situation and explain your options.
We offer a free, no-obligation case review, and you don’t owe attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call. Visit our contact page to reach us by phone or email.
Your injury may be behind you, but what happens next matters. Let Gibson Hill Personal Injury help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under Texas law so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
