Premises Liability: When Property Owners Are Responsible for Catastrophic Harm

A serious injury can happen in seconds. One moment, you are walking through a store or heading into your apartment building. The next moment, you are on the ground, in pain, and your entire life feels shaken. Catastrophic injuries are not small accidents. They can change how you move, work, and take care of yourself.

If this happened on someone else’s property, you may be wondering who is responsible and what your options are. The truth is that many of these injuries are preventable. Property owners in San Antonio and across Texas have a responsibility to keep their spaces reasonably safe. When they do not, people get hurt.

Get a free case review with Ali Law Group to understand your legal options and how a skilled premises liability lawyer can help you move forward.

Common Catastrophic Injuries in San Antonio Premises Liability Cases

Catastrophic injuries can instantly change your life—limiting mobility, affecting your ability to work, and impacting your long-term health. They often involve severe trauma and typically require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. These injuries don’t just heal quickly; they demand serious support and planning for the future.

Some of the most common catastrophic injuries from unsafe properties include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
   
• Spinal cord injuries
   
• Multiple fractures
   
• Internal injuries
   
• Severe burns
   
• Loss of mobility
   
• Loss of limb
   

These injuries can come from falls, structural failures, violent incidents, or any situation where a property was not maintained the way it should have been. No one expects a routine trip to the store or their apartment parking lot to end this way.

Dangerous Property Conditions That Lead to Harm

Catastrophic injuries often happen because something on the property was not safe. Many of these hazards are simple to fix, and that is what makes them so frustrating. Here are some of the unsafe conditions that frequently cause serious harm:

• Slippery floors and unsafe walkways. Spills, freshly mopped floors, loose rugs, and uneven ground can turn into dangerous slip and fall accidents.
• Poor lighting. Dim stairwells, dark parking lots, and unlit hallways make it hard to see where you are going and increase the chance of an accident or even an assault.
• Broken or missing railings. A weak or missing handrail can cause a fall from height, leading to severe injuries.
• Damaged floors or steps. Loose tiles, cracked stairs, or uneven flooring can cause someone to trip or fall.
• Neglected maintenance. Broken ceilings, crumbling decks, and malfunctioning elevators pose serious dangers when ignored.
• Inadequate security. If crime is a known issue in an area, property owners may need to take reasonable steps to protect visitors. Poor lighting, broken gates, or ignored safety measures can put people at risk.
• Animal hazards. An aggressive dog or unrestrained animal can cause deep bite wounds and long-lasting injuries.

These problems do not fix themselves. When a property owner ignores them, visitors pay the price.

Understanding Texas Premises Liability Law

Texas law says property owners must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. This applies to many types of properties, including grocery stores, restaurants, apartments, hotels, parking garages, and other businesses.

Here is what “reasonable steps” usually means:

• Inspecting the property. Owners should regularly inspect for hazards.
• Fixing problems. If they find something dangerous, they should repair it promptly.
• Warning visitors. If a hazard cannot be fixed right away, there should be a warning sign or a barrier.
• Providing security when needed. If there are known risks in the area, owners may need to take steps to help protect visitors.

To show that a property owner was negligent, it must be clear that they knew or should have known about a hazard and failed to take action. Every situation is different, so having a personal injury lawyer review your case can give you clarity.

What To Do After a Premises Liability Injury in Texas

If you were seriously hurt on someone else’s property, here are steps that can protect your health and your rights:

1. Get medical care right away. Even minor injuries can turn serious.
2. Report the incident. Tell the manager, landlord, or property owner and ask for a copy of any written report.
3. Take photos or videos, if you can. Capture the hazard and the area around it before anything is cleaned up or repaired.
4. Get witness information. If someone saw what happened, their statement could help your case.
5. Keep your medical paperwork. Save bills, discharge notes, and anything related to treatment.
6. Be careful with insurance calls. Insurance adjusters might try to limit your claim.
7. Schedule a free case review. A personal injury lawyer can explain your options and what to expect.
    

These steps keep your case strong and help you understand what happened and who may be responsible.

How Attorneys Help in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Catastrophic injury claims can be overwhelming because there is so much at stake. Property owners and insurance companies may argue about who was at fault or try to downplay your injuries. A lawyer’s job is to cut through that noise and focus on the facts.

A personal injury attorney in San Antonio can help by doing the following:

• Reviewing the scene and documenting what went wrong
   
• Collecting surveillance footage and maintenance records
   
• Speaking with witnesses and hiring experts when needed
   
• Dealing with the insurance company on your behalf
   
• Helping you understand your long-term medical needs
   
• Giving you clear advice at every step
   

Having a premises liability attorney on your side helps you avoid mistakes and gives you support when you need it most.

Contact Ali Law Group for a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic harm because a property owner did not keep their space safe, you do not have to go through this alone. Ali Law Group helps people in San Antonio and across Texas understand their rights and next steps. You can talk with an attorney at no cost and with no pressure.

Reach out today to schedule your free case review.