Property Owners Have a Duty to You — When They Breach It, We Act
Premises liability is the legal principle that property owners and occupiers must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for people who enter it. This applies to homes, apartment complexes, retail stores, restaurants, parking lots, hotels, construction sites, and any other property where people are invited or permitted to be.
These cases go beyond simple slip and falls — they include inadequate security that allows an assault, negligent maintenance that causes a collapse, swimming pool accidents, and elevator or escalator failures. George Oginni investigates the full picture: what the owner knew, how long the danger existed, and what they failed to do about it.
Common Premises Liability Cases
Wet floors, icy walkways, broken pavement, or loose mats — hazards an owner knew or should have known about.
A property owner's failure to provide adequate lighting, locks, cameras, or security staff — enabling an assault or robbery on premises.
Lack of proper fencing, defective drains, inadequate supervision, or unsafe pool conditions causing drowning or injury.
Malfunctioning equipment due to improper maintenance, inspection failures, or manufacturing defects.
Collapsing decks, balconies, ceilings, or floors — structures that failed because of deferred maintenance or negligent construction.
Pothole injuries, poor lighting, inadequate traffic flow design, or vehicle-pedestrian accidents in commercial lots.
What Damages Can You Recover?
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during recovery
- Future medical costs
- Long-term disability expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
What to Do After a Premises Injury
Notify the property manager, store manager, or owner and ask for a written incident report. Get a copy before you leave.
Capture the exact condition that caused your injury before it's cleaned up, repaired, or altered. Time-stamp your photos.
Anyone who saw the accident or knew about the hazard before your injury is a valuable witness.
Delayed treatment creates gaps in your medical record that insurers will use to minimize your injuries.
Any recorded statement or release you sign could severely limit your recovery. Call George first.
Surveillance footage is typically overwritten within 24–72 hours. Early legal action preserves the evidence you need to win.
Texas Premises Liability Law
Texas law distinguishes between types of entrants. Invitees (customers, guests) are owed the highest duty of care — owners must inspect for and correct or warn of hazards. Licensees (social guests) must be warned of known dangers. Even trespassers have limited protections in some circumstances. Most injury victims at businesses are invitees — the highest protection under Texas law.
Property owners will try to shift blame to you — arguing you weren't paying attention, ignored a warning sign, or were in a restricted area. As long as you are found 50% or less at fault, you can still recover under Texas law. George builds cases that keep your fault percentage as low as possible.