Premises Liability in Texas: How Laws Differ Between Private, Public, and Government Property

Premises liability laws in Texas hold property owners responsible when unsafe conditions cause injuries. These cases can involve anything from slips and falls in grocery stores to accidents on government sidewalks. However, not all premises liability claims are treated the same. The laws vary depending on whether the accident happened on private, public, or government property. Understanding these differences is critical for victims seeking compensation for their injuries.

Premises Liability on Private Property

Private property encompasses various locations, including homes, apartment complexes, and businesses. In these cases, owners and managers have a duty to maintain safe conditions for people who are lawfully on the premises. That means they must fix known hazards, warn visitors of potential dangers, and conduct regular inspections.

For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor in a Houston store and the business failed to place warning signs, the store could be held liable for resulting injuries.

The level of responsibility also depends on the visitor’s legal status. Invitees, such as customers in a store, are owed the highest duty of care. Licensees, such as social guests, are owed a duty to be warned about known hazards. Trespassers are owed the least protection, though property owners cannot intentionally create dangerous conditions to cause harm.

Premises Liability on Public Property

Public property is typically owned by cities, counties, or other entities for the use of the community. This includes parks, recreation centers, and public sidewalks. Accidents on public property can be more complicated because multiple agencies may be responsible for maintaining the space.

For example, a fall on a poorly maintained sidewalk outside a Houston community center could raise questions about whether the city, county, or another entity should be held accountable.

Claims involving public property may also be subject to certain protections under Texas law. Governmental immunity often shields public entities from lawsuits unless exceptions apply. These cases require careful legal analysis to determine whether a valid claim can move forward.

Premises Liability on Government Property

When accidents occur on state or federal government property, such as a courthouse, post office, or state-owned building, different rules apply. In Texas, the Texas Tort Claims Act allows individuals to pursue claims against government entities in limited circumstances. The law sets strict requirements for notifying the government of the claim, including short deadlines that differ significantly from those in private property cases.

For example, someone injured in a slip and fall at a government office must typically provide written notice of the claim within six months.

Federal property claims may fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which has its own set of procedures. These additional layers of law make government premises liability cases particularly complex, and missing a deadline can prevent victims from ever recovering compensation.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability claims are not all handled the same way. A case against a grocery store in Houston is very different from one involving a city park or federal building. Each type of property has unique rules about liability, deadlines, and the process for filing a claim.

Without skilled legal guidance, victims may overlook critical steps or accept settlements that do not fully compensate for their damages. Our experienced attorneys can identify the correct party to pursue, navigate the legal system, and pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.

Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm Today

If you have been injured on private, public, or government property in Texas, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The Houston premises liability attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm understand the unique challenges of these cases and can guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today at 713-637-4560 or online for a free consultation to learn how we can help you hold negligent property owners accountable.

About The Author

Steve Hollingsworth

Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.