Our Premises Liability Lawyer Helps Win Compensation
Property owners and managers have a duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition so visitors on the property are reasonably protected from undue harm. They are required to fix hazards they know or should have known about, warn about hazards that exist, and take steps to prevent injuries to others until the hazards are fixed. If they fail to do so and someone is injured on their property as a result, the responsible parties may be held liable for damages. These types of cases are categorized as “premises liability” cases, and they are based on the principle that a property owner has the responsibility to keep their premises safe from hazardous conditions.
Accidents caused by dangerous circumstances on the property can result in very serious injuries, such as broken bones, fractures, spinal cord injuries, head and brain injury, and other injuries which can lead to permanent issues, paralysis, and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died due to negligence on the part of a property owner, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries through insurance or a personal injury lawsuit. While no amount of money can make up for the pain and suffering from a serious injury, receiving compensation can alleviate your financial worries, pay for needed care, and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Texas premises liability law is complicated, and insurance companies have high-powered lawyers who will try to get you to settle for the lowest amount possible. Fortunately, you do not have to fight for fair compensation on your own. At this difficult time when you are trying to recover from your injuries, there is help available from the experienced lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law. Our Houston premises liability attorneys know what it takes to build a case and how to get results and have won over $1 billion for our clients. We can do the same for you.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your individual situation and determine the best way to move forward. We provide a No-Fee Guarantee, which means that if you don’t get paid, you don’t have to pay us. Call us today to get started at (713) 973-8888or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
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How Our Premises Liability Attorneys in Houston Help You
Why Choose Us
There are many lawyers in Texas, and you should look for one you not only feel comfortable with, but one who has the skill and experience to handle the complicated legal processes and negotiations involved in winning compensation. Here are some reasons why we believe Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is your best choice:
- We have more than 35+ years of experience.
- We get results and have recovered $1 billion for our clients. Visit our client victories page to read about real cases — and real money — the dedicated attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law have won, such as the $10.6 million settlement for a car accident case.
- We know how to deal with insurance companies and can often win a settlement through negotiations, without having to go to trial.
- We provide great customer service and are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
- Terry Bryant and two additional attorneys are board certified.
- We have a 98% positive group of satisfied clients who give testimonials to our service.
- We are recognized in our field — our law firm has received the Better Business Bureau’s Winner of Distinction Award multiple times.
- We offer free initial consultations to get you started.
- We have the resources of a skilled legal team, investigators, and expert witnesses.
- We offer a No-Fee Guarantee, which means you pay us nothing unless you get your money.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have years of experience successfully holding responsible parties accountable for damages due to their negligence, and are ready to fight for you.
How Our Premises Liability Attorneys Work for You
When you hire our Texas premises liability lawyers, we know it is important to start working for you immediately. We will:
- Meet with you to hear about how the accident happened, determine who the responsible parties were, whether you have a valid case, and what kind of settlement to ask for by calculating the true costs of your injury
- Demand payment from insurance companies and negligent parties
- Make sure you get proper medical treatment and everything is documented
- Investigate your case and gather evidence such as from photos, videos, medical records and police reports and interviews with witnesses and first responders
- Get testimony from experts as to the harm you received, the costs involved, and how your injuries negatively impact your life and family
- File all necessary paperwork and correspond with insurance companies, negligent parties, and their attorneys
- Conduct research of relevant laws and similar cases, and prepare presentations that demonstrate the extent of your damages
- Depose witnesses that can provide vital information and prepare extensively for each deposition
- Handle negotiations for a fair settlement with insurance companies and other attorneys to avoid going to court
- Build your case and take it to trial if necessary.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we use all necessary resources to achieve successful outcomes for our clients. Not only do we handle the daily processes required with a claim, we go the extra mile to keep you informed and answer questions about your case. Terry Bryant is board certified in personal injury, and he is a former judge. Our team is handpicked for their work ethic, skill, knowledge, and ability to provide exceptional service to our clients. We know the courts and the law, and how to fight for the settlement you deserve. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
Damage Awards Our Houston Premises Liability Attorneys May Win
In a successful case, our Houston premises liability attorneys may win an award that covers your damages — the costs and losses you face due to your injuries. In Texas, you may receive compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages as follows:
1. Economic damages are for monetary costs that may include:
- medical and rehabilitative bills
- lost wages and earnings
- property damage
- costs of modifying a home or vehicle, such as for a wheelchair.
2. Non-economic damages cover damages that don’t have a specific dollar value, but negatively impact your life, such as:
- physical and emotional pain and suffering
- loss of companionship or consortium
- disability.
Punitive damages – In some rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish a defendant who acted in an especially reckless or egregious manner and to deter such behaviors in the future.
Damage Awards Amounts
There are a wide range of damages amounts that may be awarded in a premises liability case, from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances of the case. Factors that are considered when determining amounts include:
- the severity and permanence of your injuries and whether you will need continuing care
- the amount of property damage and the costs you incur
- your age, family situation, and earning capacity
- the amount of lost income from being unable to work
- the availability of insurance and assets of the defendants
- the individual judge and jury involved
- how well your attorney can negotiate a settlement or litigate your case.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we calculate the true costs of your injuries and demand payment that meets your needs.
Premises Liability Attorneys in Houston Prove Negligence
To win your case, our premises liability attorneys in Houston must investigate the accident and produce evidence to show that another party, the defendant in the case, was negligent and at fault for your injuries. This means showing the following legal elements:
- Duty: The defendant had a duty not to cause harm, by keeping safe premises.
- Breach: The defendant breached this duty by actions or failure to act.
- Cause: This breach caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages as a result.
Sometimes there are multiple parties at fault for premises liability, such as when there are several owners of a property or when a management company responsible for repairs neglected to make them. Other people or entities who may be held responsible include: tenants, work crews, landlords, security guards and companies, and people whose intentional criminal actions caused injuries.
Our Houston premises liability attorneys would seek to identify all responsible parties and name them as defendants in the case, as they all may have insurance and assets that can go toward a settlement.
Our Premises Liability Lawyer in Houston Explains Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability claims all have one thing in common – a property owner or supervisor failed to live up to their responsibility to keep people on that property safe. Property owners and managers must keep their premises safe for others and must regularly inspect the property for conditions that could cause harm. If they fail in this duty, they may be found negligent and liable for injuries that result. They may also be held responsible for injuries that result because of dangers they should have known about or failed to warn people about.
Beyond that, details vary widely from one case to another. The “premises” in a case is often a business or the location of an event, such as a sporting event or a concert. Premises might also include a private residence, especially if the injured person is a guest of the owner.
The unsafe conditions that commonly lead to injuries also vary. It could be that a property’s flooring was slick or broken. In other cases, failure to provide security to protect the patrons of a business might be the focus of a premises liability case if there was negligence on the property which led to situations such as shootings, intentional harm or death, and criminal actions of a third party.
Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Our attorneys have experience dealing with a wide range of premises liability cases. Some examples include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents – These are some of the most common forms of premises liability cases. Conditions that might lead to slips and falls include slick, loose, or broken flooring; broken, loose, or missing railing; dimly lit areas; and cluttered flooring or walkways. Falls can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal damage, among other injuries.
- Negligent Security – A business is obligated to ensure the safety of its patrons. This means that many businesses should provide security for the people who are on its premises. Failure to adequately staff security personnel, monitor security cameras, or act when a patron is in danger could result in legal action against a business. This can range from lax security at a shopping mall to a pool that hasn’t staffed adequately trained lifeguards.
Premises Liability Involving Workers
In the event of a workplace injury, a worker might obtain workers’ compensation benefits to recover lost wages and medical bills. But not all workers are given these benefits, especially in industries that classify workers as independent contractors. If a worker suffers an on-the-job injury because of unsafe premises, they might be able to file a premises liability claim to receive compensation for their injuries.
Other Kinds of Premises Liability Cases
There are other ways in which a property’s conditions could lead to serious personal injury, including:
- Toxic environments, such as buildings that contain lead or asbestos
- Faulty wiring or electrical exposure
- Structural defects, when buildings or structures fall
- Elevator or escalator accidents
- Poor lighting in stairs, hallways, or parking areas
- Falling debris or hanging hazards
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Dog bites
- Loose handrails on stairs
- Not providing security or fixing broken locks or doors
- Amusement park accidents.
Texas Premises Liability Lawyers Answer Your Questions
After an injury on someone else’s premises, it’s natural to have questions and concerns. These are best addressed at your free consultation, but to get you started, here are some answers to questions our premises liability attorneys are often asked:
Are there time limits for filing?
Yes, Texas has statutes of limitations, which are deadlines for filing lawsuits. According to the law (CPRC Chapter 16, section 16003), If you have suffered personal injury, claims must generally be filed within 2 years after an injury occurred. If the injury resulted in a wrongful death, claims must be filed within 2 years after death. If you miss the deadline, the courts are unlikely to hear your case, but there are some extenuating circumstances, so our attorneys will explain how the time limits apply to you. (Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)
Should I speak to insurance companies?
No, the less you say to insurance companies, the better. Insurance companies are out for profit and want to pay out as little as possible. They often use tactics such as getting you to accept a quick settlement for less than your case is worth or trying to get you to admit that you somehow were at fault for the accident. Tell the insurance company to speak to your attorney and let our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law handle all dealings and negotiations with insurance companies.
What if I was trespassing on the property when injured?
Visitors to properties are classified as licensees, invitees, or trespassers. Licensees have consent to enter the property for their own benefit; invitees enter with the owner’s knowledge and permission, and for the mutual benefit of both parties; and trespassers enter the property without lawful authority or permission. According to Texas Law (CPRC Title 4 Chapter 75 Sec. 75.002), while a property owner owes a duty of care to licensees and invitees, the owner is not liable for any injury to a trespasser, except for willful or wanton acts or gross negligence, or if there is an attractive nuisance.
What is an attractive nuisance?
Properties that pose an attractive nuisance are those that are likely to attract children who are unable to appreciate the risks involved. If a child is injured from a hazardous object or condition on property — such as a swimming pool, construction equipment, or gravel pit — owners may be found liable for injuries to children even if they are trespassing on the property. Landowners are required to do everything necessary — such as putting up putting up barriers or fences and locking doors — to keep children away from the object or condition.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we are available to answer your questions as they arise and will be there for you throughout the entire legal process.
Call Our Premises Liability Lawyer for Help
If you’ve suffered a serious injury on another’s property and believe that the condition of the premises contributed to your injury, the experienced premises liability attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help. Terry Bryant has been practicing law since 1985, is a former judge and is Board Certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He and his handpicked legal team believe their job is to get justice for clients and fight tirelessly for fair compensation.
With our no fee guarantee, you have nothing to lose, so call us today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to get started while evidence is fresh and witnesses can be found.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]