Hold Property Owners Accountable: Know Your Rights Under Texas Premises Liability Law

When you enter someone else’s property—whether it’s a store, apartment complex, or private residence—you have a legal right to expect a reasonably safe environment. If you’re injured due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held responsible under Texas premises liability law.

From slippery supermarket floors to hazardous construction zones, these accidents are more common than you might think. In many cases, injury victims can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Below, our Dallas personal injury lawyers break down what you need to know about filing a premises liability claim in Texas and how to protect your legal rights.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises due to unsafe or defective conditions. These incidents can happen anywhere—residential homes, retail stores, parking lots, and even sidewalks.

Common examples of premises liability cases include:

• Slipping on water from a leaking freezer at a grocery store

• Being hit by falling debris at a construction site

• Falling through rotted wood on a backyard deck

How Premises Liability Works in Texas

Under Texas premises liability law, your ability to seek compensation depends on your status on the property:

• Invitee – Someone visiting for business purposes (e.g., customer at a store)

• Licensee – Social guest or someone with permission to be on the property

• Trespasser – Someone without permission (limited rights apply)

Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, followed by licensees. Trespassers generally have minimal legal protections unless the owner acted intentionally to cause harm.

Proving a Premises Liability Case in Texas

To win a premises liability case, you must prove that:

1. A hazardous condition existed on the property.

2. The property owner knew or should have known about the danger.

3. The owner failed to correct the issue or warn visitors.

4. The hazard directly caused your injury.

This means you need strong evidence that links your injuries to the property owner’s negligence.

Key Evidence to Support Your Claim

Gathering and preserving evidence is critical. If you’ve been injured, take the following steps:

• Seek medical treatment and request documentation linking your injury to the accident.

• Take photos or videos of the dangerous condition.

• Request an incident report if the injury occurred on commercial property.

• Get witness contact info and statements if anyone saw the accident.

• Keep a journal tracking your symptoms, treatment, missed work, and emotional distress.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Premises liability injuries can lead to significant expenses and lifestyle disruptions. Compensation may include:

• Emergency room visits and medical bills

• Physical therapy or rehabilitation

• Lost wages and future earning potential

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Reduced quality of life

If the injury caused a fatality, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim.

Why Reporting the Incident Matters

Always report the incident to the property owner or manager as soon as possible. Filing a written report creates a documented record of the event, which can support your claim and prevent the property owner from denying the incident ever occurred.

When to Contact a Dallas Premises Liability Attorney

Premises liability cases are complex. Proving negligence and dealing with insurance companies on your own can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from an injury.

An experienced Dallas premises liability attorney can help you by:

• Investigating the accident scene

• Gathering surveillance footage and other key evidence

• Interviewing witnesses

• Working with medical experts

• Negotiating with insurance companies

• Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Get Help From Our Dallas Premises Liability Lawyers

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Rasansky Law Firm, our team has helped countless victims across Texas recover the compensation they deserve.

📞 Call us today at (214) 651-6100 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for your rights.