What is the liability of a Texas business owner if a customer injures themselves on the business property?
As a lawyer, I can advise that a Texas business owner has a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for their customers. If a customer injures themselves on the business property, the business owner may be liable for the injuries, depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Under Texas law, a business owner could be held liable for customer injuries if they knew or should have known of a dangerous condition on their property, failed to address the condition, and the condition caused the customer's injuries. Additionally, if the business owner creates a dangerous condition, they could be held liable for any resulting injuries.
There are, however, potential limitations to liability. For example, if the business owner can show that the customer's injury was caused by the customer's own negligence, then the business owner may not be held liable. Also, if the dangerous condition was open and obvious, and the customer should have reasonably noticed and avoided it, the business owner may not be held liable.
If a customer is injured on a business owner's property, the business owner should immediately take appropriate steps to address the dangerous condition and document the incident. The business owner should also contact their insurance company to notify them of the incident and seek guidance on how to handle any potential claims or lawsuits.
In summary, a Texas business owner has a legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for their customers, and could be held liable for injuries sustained on their property if they fail to do so. However, there are potential limitations to liability, and any incidents should be immediately addressed and documented. If necessary, the business owner should seek guidance from their insurance company or legal counsel.