Houston Premises Liability Lawyer
Property owners in Houston and throughout Texas have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur. These accidents often leave victims facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, Attorney Amy Dunn is here to help you seek justice and compensation.
Why Choose Amy Dunn as Your Houston Premises Liability Lawyer?
Amy Dunn is a dedicated advocate for injury victims. She understands the complexities of premises liability cases and is committed to holding negligent property owners accountable. Her compassionate approach and proven legal expertise make her a trusted ally for those navigating these challenging claims.
“Property owners have a duty to maintain safe environments. When they neglect that responsibility, innocent people get hurt,” Amy says. “My goal is to fight for justice and ensure my clients receive the compensation they deserve.”
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When someone is injured on a property due to unsafe conditions, the owner may be held liable if they failed to address hazards or provide adequate warnings.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases encompass a wide range of incidents, including:
Slip and Fall Accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or icy walkways can cause serious injuries.
Trip and Fall Accidents: Poorly maintained stairs, loose carpeting, or obstructed walkways can lead to accidents.
Inadequate Security: Failure to provide proper lighting, locks, or security measures can result in assaults or theft.
Swimming Pool Accidents: Drowning or injuries due to unsafe pool conditions or lack of supervision.
Falling Objects: Injuries caused by objects falling from shelves or construction sites.
Dog Bites: Attacks caused by unrestrained or aggressive animals.
Fire and Electrical Hazards: Burns, shocks, or other injuries due to unsafe wiring or fire hazards.
To prove a premises liability claim, the following elements must be established:
Duty of Care: The property owner owed a duty of care to the injured party.
Breach of Duty: The owner failed to maintain safe conditions or warn of hazards.
Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the victim’s injury.
Damages: The victim suffered injuries and losses as a result.
Determining Liability in Premises Liability Cases
Visitor Status and Duty of Care
In Texas, the level of care a property owner owes to a visitor depends on the visitor’s status:
Invitees: People invited onto the property for business or public purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, including regular inspections and timely repairs.
Licensees: Social guests or individuals present for non-business purposes. Owners must address known hazards and provide adequate warnings to licensees.
Trespassers: People who enter a property without permission. While the duty of care is limited, property owners cannot willfully harm trespassers and may have additional responsibilities if children are involved (e.g., attractive nuisances like pools).
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability accidents can cause a variety of injuries, such as:
Broken Bones: Often resulting from falls or trips.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by head trauma in slips, trips, or falling object incidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe falls can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
Burns: Injuries from fire, chemicals, or electrical hazards.
Lacerations and Contusions: Cuts and bruises from sharp objects or hard surfaces.
Drowning or Near-Drowning: Injuries from swimming pool accidents.
Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, follow these steps to protect your rights:
Seek Medical Attention: Get treated immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and any warning signs or lack thereof.
Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager and request a written report.
Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who saw the accident.
Keep Records: Save medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence related to the incident.
Contact Injury Lawyer Amy Dunn: Call us or submit our online form below for a free consultation.
How We Can Help You
At Attorney Amy Dunn, we handle every aspect of your premises liability case so you can focus on recovery. Our services include:
Thorough Investigations: Collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and consulting with experts.
Proving Negligence: Building a strong case to demonstrate the property owner’s liability.
Calculating Damages: Ensuring all your losses are accurately assessed, including future expenses.
Negotiating with Insurers: Dealing with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
Litigating When Necessary: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Compensation in Premises Liability Cases
Victims of premises liability accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses: Covering current and future treatment costs.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work due to your injury.
Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to work in the future.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering: Monetary relief for physical pain and emotional distress.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars or physical changes.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Challenges in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability claims can be complex due to:
Proving Negligence: Demonstrating the owner’s failure to address hazards requires strong evidence.
Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault.
Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims outright.
Disputed Visitor Status: Property owners may argue that the victim was a trespasser to reduce their liability.
Houston Injury Lawyer Amy Dunn has the experience and resources to navigate these challenges and fight for your rights.
FAQs About Premises Liability Cases
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In Texas, the statute of limitations for premises liability claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
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Under Texas law, you can still recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
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Yes, but special rules apply. Government entities in Texas have limited immunity, and claims must be filed under the Texas Tort Claims Act. These cases often have shorter deadlines.
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The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the degree of negligence involved. Attorney Amy Dunn can provide an accurate assessment during your consultation.
Resources for Premises Liability Victims
In addition to legal representation, Amy Dunn provides access to:
Medical Referrals: Connecting you with specialists for injury treatment and recovery.
Financial Guidance: Helping you navigate medical bills and manage settlement funds.
Support Services: Referring you to organizations that assist injury victims and their families.
Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the challenges injury victims face and treat every client with empathy and respect.
Proven Results: Our track record reflects our commitment to achieving justice.
Personalized Attention: Every case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet your specific needs.
Transparent Communication: You’ll receive regular updates and have direct access to your attorney.
What Sets Amy Dunn Apart
Contact Amy Dunn Today
Time is critical in personal injury cases. In Texas, the statute of limitations typically requires filing a claim within two years of the injury. Don’t wait to seek legal help. Call Houston Injury Lawyer Amy Dunn or fill out our contact form below to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
At Attorney Amy Dunn, we’re not just your lawyer—we’re your advocate, your advisor, and your unwavering support system. We’re here to ensure that you’re not just another case file but a valued individual with a voice and a story. Let us fight for you.