When you visit a store, restaurant, apartment complex, or public venue in McKinney, you expect to be safe. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises and prevent foreseeable hazards. When they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, the injured person may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
At JML Injury Law, we represent injury victims in McKinney and across Collin County. If you slipped on a wet floor, fell down poorly lit stairs, or were hurt due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Here is what you need to know about filing a premises liability claim in Texas.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for accidents and injuries that occur due to unsafe or defective conditions on their property. These cases often involve:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Unsafe stairs or railings
- Broken or uneven flooring
- Inadequate lighting
- Falling merchandise
- Swimming pool accidents
- Negligent security leading to assault or robbery
- Dog bites or animal attacks
Whether the property is residential, commercial, or public, the owner has a responsibility to keep it safe for lawful visitors.
Common Places Where Accidents Happen in McKinney
In a fast-growing city like McKinney, accidents can happen anywhere. Common locations for premises liability claims include:
- Grocery stores and retail centers like Eldorado Plaza
- Apartment complexes and condominiums
- Restaurants and coffee shops in Downtown McKinney
- Medical offices and hospitals
- Public sidewalks and city parks
- Hotels and Airbnb properties
- Gyms and recreational centers
No matter where the injury occurred, property owners have a duty to inspect for dangers, warn visitors, and fix hazards in a reasonable time frame.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Depending on the situation, several parties may be liable for an injury:
- The property owner or landlord
- A business tenant leasing the property
- A property management company
- A maintenance or cleaning contractor
- A security company (in cases involving negligent security)
Determining who is responsible requires a careful investigation of the property, incident reports, and all involved parties.
Proving a Premises Liability Case in Texas
Under Texas law, to succeed in a premises liability case, you must generally prove:
- The property owner had a duty of care based on your status (invitee, licensee, or trespasser)
- The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition
- The condition was not repaired or adequately warned against
- You suffered injuries directly caused by the unsafe condition
Invitees (such as customers at a store) are owed the highest level of care. Trespassers, on the other hand, are owed very limited duties.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
Strong evidence is key to building a successful premises liability case. After an accident, try to gather the following:
- Photos of the hazard or scene
- Surveillance footage, if available
- Witness statements
- Medical records documenting your injury
- Maintenance logs or prior complaints
- Incident reports filed with the business or city
JML Injury Law can help collect this evidence and ensure nothing important is missed.
What If You Were Partially at Fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident, as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were texting while walking but the store failed to clean a spill, you might share some fault. A lawyer can help argue against unfair blame and maximize your recovery.
Types of Damages Available in Premises Liability Cases
If you were injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Severe injuries like broken bones, concussions, or spinal trauma can have long-lasting effects. Our goal is to make sure you are fully compensated.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in McKinney?
Texas law gives injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies to premises liability cases as well. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
However, it is always best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we get involved, the stronger your case can be.
Why Choose JML Injury Law?
Our legal team at JML Injury Law has extensive experience handling premises liability cases throughout North Texas. We know the tactics property owners and insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. We offer:
- Free consultations
- No fees unless we win your case
- Personalized, responsive legal support
- A proven track record of results
Whether you were injured in a retail store, residential complex, or public facility in McKinney, we are ready to stand up for you.
Get Legal Help After a Property Injury in McKinney
If you or a loved one was injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, do not wait. Contact JML Injury Law today for a free case review. We can explain your rights, investigate your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
We are proud to serve the McKinney community and help injury victims get justice. Let us be your advocates when property owners fail to protect you.
