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.
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.
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Worker killed when he fell from height on a construction site.
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$1.3 MILLION
Man broadsided in an automobile accident when a lady ran a red light.
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Pedestrian was struck while walking by rideshare, suffered from multiple fractures.
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Our client suffered severe arm injuries from a head on collision with a drunk driver.
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Construction worker shattered his knee when he fell into an unmarked elevator shaft
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Our client suffered from a gunshot to the abdomen caused by unsafe handling of firearms.
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Our client and his family members were rear-ended by an 18-wheeler in Columbus, Texas.
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Our client was struck by a commercial vehicle, causing severe damages to him and his car.
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Our client was rear-ended by a negligent tow truck, causing injuries that necessitated a back surgery.
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Workplace injury at grocery store, our client suffered from severe injuries from a fall.
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Our client was struck on the driver’s side of the vehicle by a commercial truck, the negligent driver fled the scene after the accident.
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Our client was rear-ended by another driver, causing damages to her neck, back, shoulders and leg.
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Our client was rear ended by a negligent driver of a commercial vehicle.
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Woman injured when a commercial truck sideswiped her.
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Woman fell on wet floor at Wal-Mart and shattered knee cap.
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Man injured when he was rear-ended by an oil field services truck.
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Refinery worker received 3rd degree burns over approximately 30% of her body due to a flash fire at an oil refinery.
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Testimonials
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
Sara Former Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
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