Rockwall Premises Liability Lawyer

When visiting someone else’s property, you should not have to worry about unforeseen hazards that could cause you serious injury. Property owners must address dangerous conditions on their property in a reasonable timeframe. When they fail to take appropriate measures to protect visitors against unsafe conditions, they could be liable for your harm.

When you or someone you love sustains injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact a Rockwall premises liability lawyer to discuss your legal options. A seasoned personal injury attorney could seek compensation for your damages through a civil claim.

Premises Liability Law in Texas

Premises liability is an area of the law that requires property owners in Texas to take reasonable precautions to protect visitors from unsafe conditions on their property. A premises liability claim requires the injured person and their Rockwall lawyer to prove that:

• The property owner owed a legal duty to the injured person, and
• The property owner breached that duty through their action or inaction, and
• The injured person suffered damages as a result

The duty a particular defendant owes to a visitor on their property depends on the classification of the injured person at the time of the incident. The law classifies visitors as either trespassers, licensees, or invitees.

Trespassers

Landowners owe the lowest duty to trespassers on their land. When a trespasser enters the property of someone else without authority or permission, the only duty the landowner owes is not to cause injury willfully or through gross negligence.

Licensees

When a licensee enters someone else’s land, the landowner must warn of any dangerous conditions they are aware of.

Invitees

Lastly, an invitee enters the property with permission and is usually there for business purposes, like maintenance specialists or contractors. Property owners owe a heightened duty of care to business invitees. Upon reasonable inspection of the premises, they must warn or correct any dangerous conditions the property owner knew or should have known of.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

There are many different types of premises liability claims, but common categories include the following:

• Slip and falls
• Swimming pool accidents
• Negligent maintenance of floors or walkways
• Improper lighting
• Improper walkway marking

Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of premises liability case. These can happen on private property or in public places like grocery stores due to wet floors or other hazards. When you suffer injuries on someone else’s land, reach out to a qualified Rockwall premises liability attorney to determine if you have a claim.

Damages in a Premises Liability Case

When someone’s negligent actions create a dangerous situation on public or private property, and someone suffers injuries, the property owner is liable for the harm. Damages in premises liability cases can be economic or non-economic.

Economic damages include specific expenses the injured person suffered, such as the cost of past and future medical care, lost income, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred. Non-economic damages account for the harm someone suffers that is not easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering or other emotional trauma. In cases involving especially egregious behavior, courts will also award punitive damages to punish the negligent property owner.

Get in Touch with a Rockwall Premises Liability Attorney

When a property owner fails to keep you or your loved one safe, you may have a right to financial recovery. A Rockwall premises liability lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for damages. Call McCraw Law Group today to set up a free consultation with one of our capable attorneys.