Property owners in Texas have a legal responsibility to provide a reasonably safe environment for their customers, guests, and anyone lawfully on their property. This duty is especially important for businesses open to the public — including restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, apartment complexes, and entertainment venues.
When a customer is injured due to a dangerous condition or criminal activity on a property, the owner may face liability through a premises liability lawsuit. These claims are not just about accidents — they often involve preventable crimes or violence where better safety measures could have made a difference.
What Does the Law Require of Property Owners?
Under Texas law, property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm to visitors. This duty of care depends on several factors:
1. Foreseeable Risks
Property owners are not required to prevent every possible injury or crime. But if a risk is foreseeable — meaning it could reasonably be anticipated — the owner has a duty to address it.
2. Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Business owners should regularly inspect their property for hazards and repair dangerous conditions. This applies both inside the business and in common areas like parking lots or sidewalks.
3. Adequate Security Measures
In areas with a history of criminal activity, property owners may need to take added precautions to protect customers. This could include:
- Hiring security guards
- Installing working security cameras
- Providing adequate lighting
- Implementing emergency procedures
- Warning customers of known dangers
What Happens When Property Owners Fail in Their Duty?
When a business fails to meet these basic safety standards, they may be held liable if someone is injured on their property. Premises liability claims in Texas often arise from:
- Assaults or robberies in parking lots
- Attacks at apartment complexes or hotels
- Slip and fall accidents from unaddressed hazards
- Fatal crimes in businesses that lacked security
These claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and — in fatal cases — wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
Do You Need a Lawyer After an Injury or Crime on Business Property?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a crime or dangerous condition on someone else’s property, it is critical to speak with an attorney. These cases are often complicated — property owners and insurance companies will fight hard to avoid responsibility.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent victims of unsafe premises throughout Houston and across Texas. We investigate thoroughly, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm Today
Call us at 713-804-9306 for a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
You have rights. We can help protect them.