Anderson Injury Lawyers | February 18, 2025 | Personal Injury
Sustaining an injury can be stressful no matter where it happens, but it may feel especially confusing if it takes place in a public venue like the Dallas Museum of Art. You could be left wondering about your legal options—particularly if you are facing unexpected medical bills and other hardships. Below is an overview of how premises liability in Texas applies if you’re hurt at the museum and how to handle the aftermath so that you can protect your rights.
Premises Liability Law in Texas
When someone is injured on property owned by another person or entity, the case often falls under premises liability law—a branch of personal injury law. In Texas, property owners and managers must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, but the precautions they must take vary depending on whether you’re considered an “invitee,” “licensee,” or “trespasser.”
- Invitee: Invitees are people who come to a property for the benefit of the property owner, such as customers in a store. Typically, a museum visitor would also be classed as an invitee, meaning the museum must take the highest level of care to ensure safety.
- Licensee: Licensees visit for their own convenience or benefit, like a friend visiting a private home. Owners owe them a slightly lesser duty of care, requiring warnings about known hazards.
- Trespasser: Trespassers generally have the fewest protections under the law, though owners must still avoid willful harm in some situations.
If you’re visiting the Dallas Museum of Art in a normal capacity—such as paying for a ticket or coming to view an exhibit—you’ll likely be considered an invitee.
Common Hazards at a Museum
In most cases, museums strive to provide a safe environment. Yet accidents can happen. Some potential hazards might include:
- Slippery Floors: Spills, newly cleaned areas, or wet surfaces around café sections
- Poor Lighting: Dimly lit corners or hallways where you can’t see tripping hazards
- Loose Carpeting Or Wires: Exhibits sometimes have cords crossing walkways if not properly secured
- Falling Objects: Art pieces not well-secured or overhead decorations that come loose
Owners and operators should regularly inspect the premises and address potential risks to comply with Texas law. If they fail to do so and you get injured, you may have grounds for a personal injury case.
Steps To Take After an Injury at the Dallas Museum of Art
If you do get hurt, there are a few things you can do to protect your rights and possibly strengthen your claim:
- Report the Incident: Notify a staff member or security guard right away. Ask them to write an incident report if possible.
- Document Everything: Take photos or videos of where you fell or got hurt. If you notice a hazard—like a wet floor—capture it on camera.
- Get Contact Details: Gather names and phone numbers from any witnesses. Their statements might prove the museum’s negligence.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem mild, see a doctor as soon as possible. Proper medical records help show the severity of your injuries.
- Avoid Accepting Blame: Try not to say things like, “I should’ve been more careful,” which could be taken as an admission of partial fault.
From here, speak with a lawyer. A personal injury attorney can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and handle communications with insurance adjusters.
Contact Our Dallas Personal Injury Attorneys in Texas
Museums often have robust insurance policies and experienced legal teams ready to dispute claims. To avoid being lowballed or incorrectly blamed, consider talking to an attorney. A lawyer can investigate, secure evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.
Suffering an injury in a public space like the Dallas Museum of Art can be unsettling, but you likely have legal options. By reporting the incident, gathering evidence, and consulting a qualified lawyer, you position yourself to pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
