PREMISES INJURY

Getting hurt on someone else's property—whether it's a slip-and-fall at a store, a dog bite in a yard, or a swim pool accident—can be confusing and stressful. This guide explains what you need to know, right here in Texas.

QUICK ACTION MATTERS—YOU USUALLY HAVE 2 YEARS

If you're injured on someone's property, Texas law generally gives you two years from the date you were hurt to file a legal claim. Get help before it's too late.

In rare cases, the clock starts when you realize you were hurt—even if that's later.

If the accident happened on government property, you must file a claim within six months.

PROPERTY OWNERS OWE A DUTY OF SAFETY

Texas law requires property owners to keep visitors reasonably safe. If they neglect that, you may have a right to compensation—whether you were in a store, at a friend's house, or walking on public property.

Property owners can be negligent many ways, such as:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Dog bites
  • Swimming pool incidents
  • Falling objects
  • Fires, inadequate security, or even building collapses

PROVING A CASE: WHAT YOU MUST SHOW

To win a premises injury claim, you must show:

  1. The owner or manager should have known—about the dangerous condition.
  2. That condition was unsafe and could cause harm.
  3. The owner didn't take reasonable steps to fix it or warn you.
  4. The dangerous condition caused your injury.

Texas courts recently clarified that you need proof of knowledge about the exact hazard—not just something that might have caused it.

TEXAS USES MODIFIED COMPARATIVE FAULT

Even if you are partly responsible for your injury, you may still recover compensation. The amount you receive is reduced by your percentage of fault—unless you're over 50% responsible, in which case you receive nothing.

WHAT YOU COULD BE COMPENSATION FOR

In Texas premises injury cases, you may be able to recover:

  • Medical bills—past treatments and future care
  • Lost wages—if your injury caused you to miss work
  • Pain and suffering, disability, or other non-medical impacts
  • In rare cases, punitive damages if the owner was grossly negligent

DON'T WAIT—TALK TO A LAWYER EARLY

  • Texas deadlines are strict—if you wait too long, you can lose your right to compensation.
  • Premises cases often hinge on early evidence like photos, witness statements, or security footage—not easy to get later.
  • Lawyers know what to look for and can help gather what you need, even before filing a claim.