The DJF Law Firm, PLLC

Houston Premises Liability Attorneys

If you were hurt on someone else’s dangerous property due to their negligence, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC immediately. You might be entitled to compensation from the property owner. We could help you hold them liable and recover the compensation you are entitled to for your medical care and other expenses.

Business owners and homeowners must keep their properties maintained to avoid accidents. They should promptly repair damage and remove hazards that could lead to injuries. The property owner could be at fault for the unsafe conditions that lead to an accident.

Premises liability cases can be complex. Multiple parties could be responsible for dangers that exist on the property. Determining liability might be challenging. That’s why it’s critical to hire The DJF Law Firm, PLLC immediately after the accident. We can investigate and pursue action against the person or company at fault for the harm you suffered.

Call us at 832-529-3476 for your free consultation with one of our Houston premises liability attorneys to learn more about what we can do for you.

Premises Liability Cases We Take On

You could encounter hidden dangers on any property. A hazard could lead to injury whether you have dinner at a friend’s house, spend the day at a public swimming pool, or shop at the mall.

The DJF Law Firm, PLLC handles a range of premises liability cases on behalf of our clients, such as:

  • Fires – A fire could break out in an apartment or office building if the owner fails to meet safety and building codes. For example, faulty electrical wires could spark a fire. Anyone in the building could sustain burn injuries if there aren’t adequate emergency exits or fire protection equipment.
  • Collapsing balcony or porch – Structural damage or a rickety porch or balcony could lead to a collapse. Anyone on or under the structure could get hurt during the accident.
  • Parking lot accidents – Car crashes aren’t the only potential problem in parking lots. Someone could sprain their ankle on a hazard or trip over a pothole.
  • Flooding – A busted pipe or leaking roof might cause flooding. Guests could slip on a wet floor if maintenance staff doesn’t address the problem immediately.
  • Swimming pool accidents – Public swimming pools provide fun for the whole family. However, injuries can occur if a lifeguard doesn’t have the necessary experience or if there’s broken glass on the walkways or on the bottom of the pool.
  • Escalator and elevator accidents – Elevators and escalators must undergo routine maintenance to run correctly. They could malfunction and cause severe injuries if the property owner doesn’t keep them in good condition.
  • Slip/trip and falls – A slip and fall might occur if an employee encounters defective stairs and doesn’t inform the property owner or maintenance doesn’t place warning signs near a hazard in a walkway.
  • Toxic exposure and lead poisoning – Toxic substances can have harmful effects. Exposure to these substances might lead to respiratory problems, nerve damage, and other serious health problems. The owner must address lead, mold, asbestos, or other toxic issues immediately to avoid toxic exposure for visitors.
  • Construction sites – Construction is often necessary when a property owner wants to update their offices or add a new structure to their building. Cones, barriers, and warning signs are crucial, so guests are aware of the potential dangers.
  • Plant explosions ‒ When industrial plants use gases, chemicals, and other substances, the danger of explosions exists. Whether the explosion was the result of poorly maintained machinery, operator fault, or some other error, explosions are potentially fatal.

At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, our Houston premises liability attorneys know how devastating it can be to get hurt in an accident that isn’t your fault. You should contact us immediately so we can start preparing your case against the negligent party.

Causes of Premises Liability Accidents

Employees, maintenance workers, business owners, and other individuals are responsible for ensuring the safety of guests. That means they must provide adequate warning of defects, remove hazards, perform maintenance, and repair damage.

The property owner could be liable for an injury if they don’t fulfill their legal obligations. Other parties might be at fault for contributing to the dangerous conditions on the property.

The most common causes of premises liability accidents include:

  • Missing or damaged railings – A visitor might try to grab a railing to prevent a fall. However, a damaged handrail might not be sturdy enough to hold a person’s weight.
  • Loose rugs or mats – Rugs and mats should be slip-resistant to stay securely in place. A slip and fall could occur if a guest walks on a loose mat or rug.
  • Poor lighting – Stairwells, parking lots, and other dark areas on the property should have adequate lighting. Anyone walking through a poorly lit area likely won’t notice a hazard in their path.
  • Wet floors – Floors get wet. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable. However, the property owner should place visible warning signs near the wet floor, so visitors know to avoid the area.
  • Inexperienced security personnel – Security guards are necessary at certain establishments. Untrained or inexperienced security personnel won’t know what to do or how to keep people safe during an emergency.
  • Defective stairs – Staircases should be in good condition, so no one trips and falls down the stairs. Damaged or uneven steps could cause someone to lose their balance.
  • Potholes – An unrepaired pothole could lead to a serious injury if a guest steps in it or trips. Property owners should ensure prompt repair or place cones around the pothole, so people know to walk around it.
  • Cracked or uneven sidewalks – Sidewalks should be free of hazards and damage. Uneven surfaces or cracked concrete could cause someone to slip or trip and get hurt.

The DJF Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help you recover after an injury caused by someone else. We will pursue the maximum possible compensation on your behalf. You won’t be alone in the fight for justice. We will remain by your side until the end.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability leads to injuries that range widely in severity. Some people sustain a minor sprain, while others suffer debilitating injuries.

The most common injuries in premises liability cases include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Nerve damage
  • Sprained or broken ankle
  • Internal bleeding
  • Exposure to hazardous substances
  • Pulled tendons or muscles
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Dislocated joints
  • Electrical shock
  • Broken bones

Emotional and psychological trauma can also result from an accident on someone’s dangerous property. You might develop a phobia from the traumatic experience or depression from a disabling injury. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another common issue after a particularly terrifying event.

Compensation Available for Premises Liability Cases

You likely require some sort of treatment, whether your injury is minor or severe. The medical bills you receive could be expensive and cause significant financial strain. Unfortunately, you could face debt if you don’t have the money to pay these unexpected expenses.

You shouldn’t be financially responsible for your injury when the accident was someone else’s fault. You have a right to hold the negligent party liable and recover compensation.

You could file an insurance claim or lawsuit. The money you receive might compensate you for your:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Hospital and medical bills
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of household services
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Damage to personal property

If you file a lawsuit, you could pursue exemplary damages. This type of financial award punishes the defendant and deters similar misconduct in the future. You must show clear and convincing evidence of the at-fault party’s malice, gross negligence, or fraud. Otherwise, the judge or jury might not award these damages to you.

Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Cases

If you want to sue the property owner or another person for your injury, you must follow a specific timeframe. The statute of limitations for premises liability in Texas allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate your lawsuit for compensation.

You could lose your right to pursue legal action if two years pass before you file suit. However, one exception could give you extra time. You can only delay the timeframe if you are under a legal disability when you sustain your injury. That means you are either:

  • Of unsound mind – The two-year period won’t start unless and until you gain mental competency.
  • Under 18 – Once you turn 18, you will have two years from that date to file your lawsuit.

You should reach out to The DJF Law Firm, PLLC for assistance. Delaying the statutory time period is challenging. You must meet specific requirements and follow the appropriate legal procedure. We can review your case to determine whether you’re eligible and handle the necessary court filings on your behalf.

Contact Us

The Houston premises liability accident attorneys of The DJF Law Firm, PLLC will personalize our services to match the unique needs of your case. We will provide support and help you through this devastating time in your life.

You don’t have to face the overwhelming process alone. You will have an experienced and dedicated legal team in your corner to guide you. We will tirelessly work to try to obtain the money you need.

If you sustained injuries due to someone else’s wrongdoing, call The DJF Law Firm, PLLC for your free consultation at 832-529-3476 right now.