Am I Responsible For Injuries Someone Sustains While On My Property?

Every state is different, however, generally speaking, you ARE responsible for the injury of anyone who steps on your property, no matter the reason. Traditionally, a distinction was made based on the reason the person had for being on your property. For instance--conditions varied whether the person was an invited guest or if they were trying to sell you something or if the person happened to be an actual trespasser. The degree of duty that was owed depended on the person's relative status and reason they were on your property in the first place.

These traditional distinctions between a person's status on your property have developed a sort of "general obligation" to anyone who enters your property. Ergo, you might be found responsible for someone's injuries that they sustain when they are on your property--despite their status. Some states will actually hold you responsible for any injuries that a TRESPASSER sustains while on your property. Even more amazing, is the fact that some states will hold you responsible for injuries suffered by a burglar who enters your property.

Several towns and cities have laws in place that hold adjacent property owners responsible for maintaining the public sidewalks. Under these ordinances, if there is a sidewalk adjacent to your property, you have to keep obstructions (like garbage or ice) clear and keep the sidewalk in good condition. Failure to maintain a sidewalk can mean that you will be held responsible for damages suffered by someone who is hurt on the sidewalk next to your own property.

For more information about personal injury in Texas, visit the following websites:

http://www.jrlawfirm.com

http://www.texasbar.com/