Being a visitor on someone else’s property shouldn’t be something you think too deeply about. Most people, when invited, don’t think twice about being on someone else’s property because they don’t expect there to be any hazards. When the property owner hasn’t made sure the premises is safe, visitors legally on the property could be harmed by the owner’s negligence.
If the visitor suffers from injuries and other damages as a result of a hazard on the property, then they could use the help of a Fort Worth, TX premises liability lawyer. We’ll be able to hold the property owner accountable for what they’ve failed to fix or keep their premises safe. You shouldn’t have to deal with these injuries on your own, which is why Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm is here for you.
Texas Premises Liability Statutes
When you’ve been harmed on someone else’s property, the first thing your lawyer will look into is what status you had as a visitor. This is essential to your claim because your visitor status determines whether or not you have a legal right to file a claim.
These laws determine how much care a visitor is owed because property owners only certain responsibilities towards different kinds of visitors. Here are the three different types of visitors, according to Texas premises liability laws:
- Invitee. The type of visitor who is owed the most care while on someone else’s property is an invitee. These visitors have been directly invited onto the premises for both their own benefit and the owner’s benefit, like a shopper or a friend. Property owners need to know about any potential hazard on their property and either fix it or make a sign to warn about what they’ve found that’s dangerous.
- Licensee. A licensee is owed less care than an invitee, but more than a trespasser because they are on the property legally. They have permission to be on the property, but it’s not explicitly like an invitee. Licensees are on the property for their own benefit, and while property owners need to know about hazards and warn if there are any dangers on the property, they don’t need to go out and search to ensure there aren’t any hazards.
- Trespasser. This type of visitor is not owed any care, and if you were trespassing at the time of your injury on someone else’s property, you most likely can’t file a legal claim against the owner. The only time you might have a claim against the property owner is if you are under 18 years old or the owner intentionally caused you injury.
All of these classifications might seem complicated and confusing—they can be. When you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, you likely weren’t thinking about how you’d be classified as a visitor, so you never considered these specifications. That’s why having an attorney on your side can help.
Our Fort Worth, TX premises liability attorney has experience with these kinds of cases and has full understanding of Texas law. Based on what happened to you and any evidence you can provide, we’ll work to determine what type of visitor you were so that we can build you the strongest claim possible for your injuries.
Different Types of Accidents Caused by Hazards on Property
Once you understand which kind of visitor you were when you were harmed on someone else’s property, you’re likely wondering if what happened to you is common. Your premises liability lawyer will look into your accident so that they can determine who was negligent. Here are some of the situations that attorneys see in Fort Worth that constitute as premises liability accidents:
- Slip and Fall. When guests on the premises slip, trip, and fall, they can get serious injuries from the fall. Whether it was a loose carpet, a wet floor, or damaged stairs, a fall can cause injuries like broken hips, hurt wrists, or even traumatic brain injuries.
- Elevator and Escalator Accidents. These can be even more dangerous than accidents on the stairs because the mechanical elements can cause more severe injuries. Lacerations, burns, broken bones, and amputations can all occur when an elevator or escalator isn’t up to safety standards and causes an accident for a visitor.
- Dog Bites. In Texas, dog owners are responsible to keep their dogs under control and keep them from hurting people, especially when the dog has been aggressive or harmed other people in the past. Even though our state follows the one bite rule, you likely will still be able to hold their owner responsible for your injuries caused by a dog attack or bite.
- Pool Accidents. Whether it’s a public or private pool, the property owner is responsible to keep the area and usage as safe as possible. Drowning accidents can happen when hazards exist, as well as slip and falls on wet surfaces.
- Amusement Park Accidents. Even though they seem like pure fun for families and friends, amusement parks and their rides can be dangerous and cause injuries to guests. When they haven’t been properly inspected or are used even though they know they aren’t safe, people riding rides or standing under them can be hurt. Other hazards can cause injuries at amusement parks as well.
- Electrocution. When electrical wires aren’t up to code and are exposed, they can electrocute guests on the property. Keeping the electrical wiring safe is another duty of the property owner so that they aren’t putting legal visitors in danger.
- Negligent Security. In some instances, a property owner is responsible to keep their visitors safe from other harm, like violent crime that can be prevented by having security for their business or the premises. If they didn’t have security when they were at risk for criminal behavior then guests who are hurt in a criminal situation, like a robbery, could file a claim for negligent security under premises liability.
If you recognize what happened to you as one of the scenarios listed above, then it’s likely that you are eligible to file a claim against the negligent property owner who was responsible for your injuries. However, if you don’t see what happened to you listed above, you still might have a claim. Speaking with our Fort Worth, TX premises liability lawyer can help you determine whether or not you can take legal action for what you’ve been through.
Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm Is On Your Side
When you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you might feel vulnerable and betrayed because you trusted them to keep the premises safe. When they didn’t do that, and didn’t warn you of potential hazards, then you deserve to take legal action against them for what they’ve caused you. That’s where Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm can help you.
Our Fort Worth, TX premises liability lawyer is experienced and dedicated to getting you justice for your injuries. We’ll fully investigate what happened, determine who was at fault, and calculate exactly what you’re owed for your damages. Reach out to us today so we can get started and meet for your free consultation.
