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Protecting Your Rights in Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park
Whether you are enjoying the nightlife along Washington Avenue or spending a weekend afternoon at Memorial Park, you expect property owners to maintain a safe environment. Unfortunately, negligence can lead to serious accidents that change your life in an instant. If you have been injured due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, speaking with a Houston Premises Liability Lawyer is the first step toward securing your future.
At Nguyen & Associates, we represent individuals in the Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park area who have suffered injuries due to property owner negligence. We understand the local landscape, from busy retail centers to residential complexes, and we are committed to holding responsible parties accountable.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Injuries
Premises liability covers a wide range of incidents where a property owner or manager failed to keep their premises reasonably safe. In the Washington Avenue and Memorial Park areas, common causes of injury include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Liquid spills in restaurants, wet floors in grocery stores, or slick surfaces in office buildings.
- Trip and Fall Accidents: Uneven sidewalks near Memorial Park, torn carpeting, or poorly maintained stairwells.
- Negligent Security: Inadequate lighting or lack of security personnel in parking lots and apartment complexes.
- Falling Objects: Improperly secured merchandise or construction debris.
- Poor Maintenance: Broken handrails, crumbling steps, or malfunctioning elevators.
These incidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries that require long-term rehabilitation.
What to Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property
Taking the right steps immediately following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. If you are injured in the Washington Avenue Coalition area, follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries like concussions may not show symptoms immediately.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor. Ensure an official incident report is filed and request a copy.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the hazard that caused your injury, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw what happened, ask for their names and contact details.
- Avoid Giving Statements: Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters until you have consulted with a lawyer.
Understanding Fault and Liability in Texas
In Texas, property owners owe a different “duty of care” depending on why you were on the property. Most visitors to businesses are considered “invitees,” meaning the owner has a high duty to inspect the premises and fix or warn of dangerous conditions. If you were a social guest (licensee), the owner must warn you of known dangers.
Proving liability requires showing that the property owner knew—or reasonably should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. This is why a thorough investigation is critical to every premises liability case.
Damages You May Recover
While every case is unique, victims of property negligence may be eligible to recover various types of damages. These generally fall into two categories:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible financial losses such as hospital bills, physical therapy costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address intangible losses, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The Legal Process and Timeline
Navigating a premises liability claim can be time-consuming. The process typically begins with an investigation and the gathering of evidence, such as surveillance footage and maintenance logs. From there, we may enter negotiations with the property owner’s insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation.
It is important to note that Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Delaying your claim could result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and 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 “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim in Houston?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors can change this timeline, so it is best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, do not face the insurance companies alone. Our team is dedicated to helping the residents of the Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park area seek the justice they deserve.
Contact Nguyen & Associates today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
Call us now: (713) 747-7777
Visit our contact page: Request a Free Case Evaluation