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Injured in Westchase? We Are Here to Help
When you visit a business, a shopping center, or a private residence in the Westchase area of Houston, you expect the environment to be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, property owners do not always maintain their premises, leading to preventable accidents. If you have been hurt, consulting with an experienced Houston Premises Liability Lawyer is the first step toward understanding your legal options and protecting your future.
Our legal team understands the complexities of Texas premises liability law. We help residents and visitors in Westchase hold negligent parties accountable when their failure to maintain a safe environment results in serious harm.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Injuries in Westchase
Premises liability claims can arise from a wide variety of hazards. In Westchase, these incidents often occur in retail spaces, apartment complexes, and office buildings. Common causes include:
- Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors or spills
- Uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks
- Poorly lit parking lots or stairwells
- Negligent security leading to assaults or robberies
- Malfunctioning elevators or escalators
- Falling objects in warehouse-style stores
- Broken handrails or stairs
These hazards can lead to severe injuries, such as bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and soft tissue injuries that require long-term medical care.
What to Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property
If you are injured in Westchase, taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. We recommend the following:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Documentation of your injuries is also vital evidence.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor. Ensure they create an official incident report and ask for a copy.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the hazard that caused your injury (e.g., the spill, the broken step, the lack of lighting).
- Gather Witness Info: Collect contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
- Contact a Lawyer: Before speaking with insurance adjusters, consult with a legal professional to avoid making statements that could hurt your case.
Understanding Fault and Liability in Texas
In Texas, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe, but the level of that duty depends on why you were on the property. Most claimants are considered “invitees” (customers or guests), to whom the owner owes the highest duty of care. To win a premises liability case, you generally must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you about it.
Damages You May Recover
While every case is unique, victims of negligence in Westchase may be eligible to recover various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
The Legal Process and Timeline
The timeline for a premises liability claim varies based on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injuries. The process typically begins with an investigation and the gathering of evidence. From there, we file a claim with the insurance company and engage in negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, so it is important to act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
What if I was partially at fault for my fall?
Texas follows a proportionate responsibility rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the incident, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim in Houston?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in Texas. However, investigating early is always better for preserving evidence.
Contact a Westchase Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a property owner’s negligence in Westchase, do not face the insurance companies alone. Our firm is dedicated to helping injury victims secure the resources they need to recover. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your rights.
Call us today at (713) 747-7777 or visit our contact page to schedule your free case evaluation.