Richmond Premises Liability Lawyer

Top Richmond Premises Liability Lawyer

Injured on someone else’s property in Richmond? Contact the top Richmond premises liability lawyer to seek compensation and justice.

Do I Have a Premises Liability Case in Richmond TX?

Whether you slipped in a grocery aisle, tripped over uneven concrete, or were hurt by something falling from a store shelf, the question is always the same—should the property owner have prevented it?

Under Texas premises liability law, owners and businesses must keep their property reasonably safe for visitors and fix or warn about dangers they know—or should know—exist. The law doesn’t expect them to prevent every accident, but it does require common sense and care.

To hold an owner responsible, we have to show a few key things:

• There was a real hazard. Maybe a wet floor, loose tile, or broken railing.
• They knew about it—or should have. Maybe someone reported it, or it had been there long enough to notice.
• They didn’t fix it or warn you. No sign, no cone, no quick repair.
• You were lawfully there. You weren’t trespassing; you were a shopper, tenant, or invited guest.
• That danger caused the injury. Not a guess or coincidence—the unsafe condition directly led to what happened.

We see strong cases when a store ignores repeated maintenance requests, when a property manager skips inspections, or when hazards are left unmarked in public spaces. Each case turns on the details—how long the danger existed and what the owner actually did (or didn’t do) to prevent harm.

What Is Premises Liability in Texas?

Premises liability is the body of Texas law that holds people and businesses who own, occupy, or control property responsible when unsafe conditions on that property injure visitors. The duty is straightforward: conduct reasonable inspections, fix hazards that are found, and give clear warnings when an immediate repair isn’t possible. Liability turns on two questions—notice (did the owner know, or should they have known, about the danger?) and causation (did that hazard actually cause the injury?).

Texas also calibrates the duty by the visitor’s status. Business invitees—shoppers, customers, tenants using common areas—receive the highest protection, including a duty to discover dangers that reasonable inspections would reveal. Licensees—social guests—must be warned of known, hidden risks. Trespassers generally receive minimal protection, with special rules for children in “attractive nuisance” situations (like unfenced pools).

In practice, these cases are evidence-driven. Maintenance logs, inspection routines, prior complaints, lighting and surveillance, and the condition of the area right after the incident often decide the outcome. When an injury happens in a parking area, premises rules can intersect with insurance questions (including how auto insurance works in Texas), because multiple policies may be implicated depending on how the harm occurred.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Unsafe Property?

Multiple parties may share responsibility for the conditions that led to your accident. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation recovery.

Common liable parties include:

• Commercial property owners and retail chains
• Apartment complex owners and property management companies
• Restaurant and hotel operators
• Homeowners and private landlords
• Construction companies working on the premises
• Government entities responsible for public buildings and sidewalks

Sometimes the property owner hired a maintenance company that failed to address known dangers. In these situations, both the owner and the contractor may be held accountable for your injuries.

What Types of Premises Accidents Qualify?

No two injuries happen the same way, but most premises cases in Richmond, TX, start with one thing: a danger that someone should have fixed long before you got there. Over the years, we’ve helped clients hurt in a wide range of situations—from simple slips to violent assaults in poorly lit lots.

Slip-and-Fall or Trip-and-Fall Accidents

Spills, uneven flooring, or dim lighting might seem harmless until they send someone to the ER. We’ve handled claims against grocery stores that left puddles in the produce section, restaurants that ignored loose tiles, and shopping centers that never replaced burnt-out bulbs in their walkways.

In every case, the question comes down to notice—did the owner know (or should they have known) that the hazard existed, and did they bother to do anything about it?

Negligent Security in Apartments and Parking Areas

When property owners are aware of repeated thefts or assaults, they have a duty to make the place safer. That could mean fixing broken locks, improving lighting, or hiring nighttime security.

We’ve represented tenants and visitors who were attacked in apartment complexes where the same problems had been reported for months. In Texas, that pattern of neglect can turn a criminal act into a premises liability claim—because the danger was foreseeable, and the owner failed to act.

Dog Bites on Private and Commercial Property

Dog attacks often come without warning—one second you’re visiting a friend or shopping, and the next, you’re facing stitches and medical bills. In Texas, owners are legally responsible when they know their dog has shown aggression before and fail to control it.

We’ve helped clients bitten at homes, apartment complexes, and even outdoor businesses that allow pets on the premises. These cases turn on evidence of what the owner knew, how the dog was restrained, and whether the danger was ignored despite past behavior.

Swimming Pools and Drowning Accidents

Few tragedies are harder to talk about than drownings. Texas law sets strict safety rules for pools — secure fencing, self-latching gates, and proper supervision—because one missed precaution can cost a life.

We’ve represented families after near-drowning incidents where pool gates didn’t close properly or lifeguards were absent. In both residential and commercial settings, failing to follow these safety measures can make the owner legally responsible for what happened.

Falling Merchandise and Unsecured Objects

Retailers and warehouse operators have a simple duty: keep items stored safely so they don’t fall on customers or workers. Yet we often see stores overstack shelves or leave unstable displays where anyone could be standing.

When a heavy box or piece of equipment comes down on someone’s head or shoulders, it’s rarely an accident—it’s usually the result of rushed setup or poor oversight. Texas law allows injury claims in these situations because the risk is obvious and preventable.

Broken stairs, loose railings, unsafe walkways

Sometimes it isn’t the fall that surprises you—it’s realizing later that everyone knew those steps were breaking and nobody did a thing. We’ve seen that over and over again in older apartment buildings around Richmond. A missing screw in a handrail, a chunk of concrete that’s been crumbling for months—small details until someone’s in the hospital.

Property owners are supposed to keep an eye on those things. When they don’t, it stops being “an accident” and starts looking a lot like neglect.

Elevator and escalator failures

Most people step into an elevator without even thinking. You just expect it to work. But when it jerks, drops, or the doors slam too soon, that moment of trust disappears fast. Those machines have maintenance logs that tell a story—when the last inspection happened and what warnings were ignored. That’s usually where the case begins.

Electrical hazards and chemical exposure

The dangerous stuff isn’t always visible. We have seen clients get sick from hidden mold or shocked by wires that hadn’t been checked in years. The rule in Texas is simple: if the owner knows a property isn’t safe, they have to fix it or make it obvious. Pretending not to see a problem doesn’t make it go away—it just makes someone else pay the price.

What Evidence Strengthens a Texas Premises Claim?

The hours after an accident are messy—pain, confusion, and people asking questions. That’s also when the evidence that proves what really happened can quietly vanish. Photos get deleted, floors get mopped, and cameras get recorded over. The sooner you act, the more of that story you can save.

Start with your health

Even if you think you’re okay, go to the ER or an urgent-care clinic. We see it all the time—bruises that don’t show until the next day, head injuries that seem minor but aren’t. Getting checked isn’t just about treatment; it creates a clear record linking your injuries to the place and time of the fall. Those medical notes often become the backbone of a premises claim.

Report the Hazard and Request the Incident Report

Notify the property manager or business owner about your accident right away. Ask them to complete an official incident report and request a copy for your records, including the names of any employees who witnessed what happened.

Preserve what you can

If you’re able, take pictures of everything: the spill, the lighting, the shoes you were wearing, and even the weather outside. Ask for the incident report before you leave and get the names of anyone who saw it happen. Small details—like whether a “Wet Floor” sign was up or missing—can decide a case months later.

Ask About Surveillance Video and Witnesses

Many businesses have security cameras that may have recorded your accident. Request that the footage be preserved immediately, as many systems automatically delete recordings after a short period. Get contact information for anyone who saw the incident occur.

Avoid Recorded Statements Until You Speak With Us

Insurance companies often contact injured people within hours of an accident requesting recorded statements. Politely decline these requests until you consult with an attorney, as your words can be taken out of context and used to deny your claim.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Texas law allows recovery for the bills you can count and the harms you can’t. We also walk you through how damages are calculated in Texas—what evidence moves the number and what doesn’t.

Economic damages (money you had to spend or lost):

• Medical care now and later: ER visits, imaging, surgery, therapy, medication, follow-ups.
• Income loss: missed work, reduced hours, or diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job.
• Property loss: items broken in the incident (e.g., phone, glasses).

Non-economic damages (human impact):

• Physical pain and ongoing discomfort.
• Emotional distress and the day-to-day disruption that follows an injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of activities you used to do.
• Lasting effects such as scarring or disability.

Damage limits: Texas imposes no general cap on damages in most private-property premises cases. Different limits can apply in special situations (e.g., claims against government entities or punitive/exemplary damages), so case-specific advice matters.

How Does Fault Work in Texas Premises Cases?

Under Texas law, responsibility for a premises accident is divided according to each party’s degree of fault. The rule, called modified comparative negligence, allows an injured person to recover compensation so long as their share of responsibility does not exceed fifty percent. When liability is allocated, the total award is reduced by the injured party’s percentage of fault. A person found thirty percent responsible, for instance, would receive seventy percent of the proven damages. Once fault passes the halfway mark, recovery is barred altogether.

Because those percentages often decide the outcome, evidence is critical. Photographs of the scene, inspection reports, and witness statements help establish how the property owner’s conduct compared to the visitor’s. Prompt documentation can prevent a defendant from shifting blame or claiming that a hazard was obvious or recently created. An attorney’s role is to organize that proof and present it clearly so that liability is assigned where it belongs.

What Is the Deadline To File in Texas?

You have a two-year filing deadline from the date of your accident to file a premises liability lawsuit in Texas. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced by the courts.

Government property cases have much shorter deadlines than standard claims, making it crucial to understand how long after an accident to sue different entities. You must provide formal notice of your claim within the six-month notice deadline if you were injured on city, county, or state property. Missing these deadlines permanently bars you from seeking compensation, making it essential to contact a premises liability attorney in Richmond TX immediately after your accident.

Don’t miss critical deadlines. Contact us at (281) 238-5400 today.

Why Hire Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers?

The outcome of a premises case often depends on who represents you. At Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we combine local insight with the focus and preparation of serious injury claims demand. Here’s what clients value most when they work with us:

• Local insight. Our Richmond-based team knows the Fort Bend County court system—its judges, clerks, and procedures—and we work closely with nearby medical providers who can document and explain your injuries clearly.
• No upfront fees. Every case is handled on a contingency basis. If we don’t win compensation, you owe nothing.
• Proven experience. Our attorneys have recovered favorable results for clients across Texas through detailed investigation and negotiation grounded in evidence.
• Straightforward guidance. Consultations are free, and our advice is candid from the first call. You’ll understand your rights and the strategy before any decisions are made.

We believe qualified representation should never depend on a client’s ability to pay. That principle shapes the way we practice law every day.

What Happens After You Call?

When you contact Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, you won’t be handed off to a call center or a script. You’ll speak directly with someone who wants to understand what happened, how you were hurt, and what’s standing in your way right now. 

Most people call with the same first question—how auto insurance works in Texas when an accident happens on private property. It’s not always simple, but we’ll walk through it together and explain who may be responsible, which insurance applies, and what coverage could help with your medical bills.

Your First Consultation

That first conversation is free. We listen to the details, ask questions, and talk honestly about what can be done. There’s no pressure and no forms waiting for a signature. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what the legal process looks like, how long it may take, and what evidence matters most right now.

Securing Evidence Before It’s Lost

Right after we’re hired, we start preserving what could disappear—video footage, maintenance records, and witness names. Floors get mopped, lights get fixed, and sometimes even camera systems get wiped. Acting early lets us prove what really caused the accident and how the property owner could have prevented it.

We Handle the Rest

Once the case is moving, we take care of the paperwork, the insurance calls, and the follow-ups that wear clients down. You’ll get updates in plain language, not legal shorthand. The idea is simple: we handle the legal weight so you can keep your energy focused on healing.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

Property owners in Richmond have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. When they fail in this responsibility and you get hurt, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain. At Estes Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we fight for injured clients throughout Fort Bend County with no upfront fees.

Call us at (281) 238-5400 for your free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richmond Premises Liability

Does a Wet Floor Sign Protect the Property Owner From Liability?

No, warning signs do not automatically eliminate the owner’s responsibility. We can still pursue your claim if the sign was not placed in a visible location, the spill existed for an unreasonable amount of time, or the owner should have cleaned it up rather than just posting a warning.

Can I Sue My Landlord for a Fall in My Apartment Building?

If you fall in your apartment building, you may be able to bring a claim against the landlord. In Texas, landlords are expected to keep shared areas—hallways, parking lots, stairwells, laundry rooms—in reasonably safe condition. When those spaces are left in disrepair and someone is hurt, the law allows tenants to hold the owner accountable. Much depends on what the landlord knew and how long the hazard had been there. If the fall happens near parked cars or a garage, insurance coverage can overlap, and knowing how auto insurance works in Texas can help determine which policy pays for the injuries.

What Happens If the Store Destroyed Security Video of My Accident?

Deliberately deleting or “losing” footage after an incident is spoliation. In Texas, a judge can punish that—often with an adverse-inference instruction (jurors may assume the video would have helped you), fee sanctions, or limits on the defense’s arguments. If you suspect deletion, move fast: send a written preservation demand, and have your lawyer ask the court for discovery and sanctions while other records (reports, maintenance logs, witness names) are still available.

How Do I Pay Medical Bills While My Case Is Pending?

Your health insurance typically covers immediate treatment costs, or we can arrange letters of protection with medical providers. These agreements allow you to receive necessary care with the understanding that bills will be paid from your final settlement.

Can I Still Recover Money If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. Texas law doesn’t require you to be completely blameless to recover money. As long as you were no more than 50 percent responsible, you can still collect damages, though your share is reduced by the same percentage. So if a jury says you were 20 percent at fault, you’d still get 80 percent of your total recovery. Once fault tips over that halfway point, you can’t recover anything—another reason to gather solid evidence early.

Do Liability Waivers at Gyms or Recreation Centers Bar My Claim?

Usually not. A waiver can cover everyday slip-ups, but it won’t shield gross negligence—for example, leaving a broken cable machine in service or ignoring repeated complaints about a hazard. The exact wording matters, but a signed form doesn’t give a gym a free pass.

What Special Rules Apply to Accidents on Government Property?

Claims against a city, county, or state agency fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act. You must send written notice to the correct agency—typically within 6 months of the injury (some local rules are shorter). Miss the notice, and the case can be barred, even though the usual lawsuit deadline is two years. Speak to a lawyer quickly to preserve your rights.

Can Undocumented Immigrants File Premises Liability Claims in Texas?

Yes. Immigration status does not bar you from bringing a premises liability claim in Texas. Courts focus on whether the property owner was negligent and what harm you suffered. You can seek the same damages as anyone else (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering). Your status is generally not relevant or admissible, except in narrow issues like future wage claims tied to work authorization—something a lawyer can handle to protect your rights.