When you visit a business, apartment complex, or even a friend’s home, you expect the property to be safe. Unfortunately, accidents happen when property owners fail to maintain their premises or address known hazards — and victims are often left with serious injuries, medical expenses, and lasting pain.

At Brown & Musslewhite, Ltd., LLP, our premises liability attorneys in Houston, Texas help victims identify who is responsible for unsafe conditions and pursue the compensation they deserve. Determining liability is often more complex than it appears — and having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.

📞 Call 713-234-6545 to schedule a consultation with a Houston premises liability lawyer today.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal principle that holds property owners and occupiers responsible when someone is injured due to unsafe or dangerous conditions on their property.

These cases can involve a wide range of incidents, including:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Inadequate lighting or signage
• Broken stairs or handrails
• Negligent security
• Wet or uneven surfaces
• Malfunctioning elevators or escalators

To establish a premises liability claim in Texas, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to correct or warn visitors in a timely manner.

1. Property Owners

In most cases, the property owner is primarily responsible for ensuring their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. This includes both residential and commercial property owners.

Owners can be held liable for:

• Failing to fix known hazards, such as broken flooring or water leaks
• Neglecting regular maintenance or inspections
• Ignoring reports of dangerous conditions

Under Texas law, property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees — people who enter the property for business purposes, such as customers, clients, or tenants.

2. Business Operators or Tenants

In some cases, the property owner and the person operating a business on the property are not the same. For example, a retail store may lease space from a shopping center owner.

A business operator or tenant can be held responsible if they:

• Created or failed to fix unsafe conditions in the areas they control
• Did not warn customers about hazards
• Ignored maintenance or safety procedures

Even if the landlord owns the property, a business tenant can still be liable for accidents that occur within their leased space.

3. Landlords and Property Managers

Landlords and property management companies are often liable when unsafe conditions affect tenants or visitors in shared areas — such as stairwells, parking lots, or hallways.

They may be held responsible for:

• Inadequate lighting in common areas
• Poor security or lack of surveillance
• Defective elevators or unsafe walkways

If a landlord or property manager fails to act on known safety issues, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries.

4. Maintenance or Third-Party Contractors

Sometimes, responsibility extends beyond owners or tenants. Maintenance companies, janitorial services, and independent contractors may also share liability if their negligence contributes to the unsafe condition.

Examples include:

• A cleaning company leaving wet floors without warning signs
• A construction crew failing to secure a hazardous area
• A contractor using faulty materials or poor workmanship

In these situations, multiple parties may share liability — requiring thorough investigation and legal strategy to ensure every responsible party is identified.

5. Government Entities and Public Property

When an accident occurs on public property — such as a city park, government building, or public sidewalk — a government agency may be responsible.

However, claims against government entities are governed by strict rules under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Deadlines are much shorter, and specific notice requirements must be met.

Our firm has experience handling complex claims involving public property and can help ensure your case is filed properly and on time.

6. Determining Fault in Complex Cases

Premises liability often involves multiple layers of responsibility. A single injury may implicate a property owner, management company, and maintenance provider simultaneously.

At Brown & Musslewhite, Ltd., LLP, we investigate every detail — reviewing property records, inspection logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements — to uncover the truth and build a strong case on your behalf.

Our attorneys understand Texas premises liability laws and know how to hold negligent parties accountable.

Protecting Your Rights After a Property Injury

If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and legal deadlines for filing a claim are limited.

Our Houston legal team can help you:

• Determine who is legally responsible for your injury
• Calculate the full extent of your damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a claim or pursue litigation if necessary

You don’t have to navigate this process alone.