New Orleans Slip and Fall Lawyers
Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents in Louisiana
If you slipped and fell due to dangerous property conditions, it is important that you contact a New Orleans slip and fall lawyer who can help you understand your rights. You may be entitled to compensation if your injuries resulted from a property owner’s negligence. At The Womac Law Firm, we can review your case and help you determine if you have grounds to seek fair financial recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
On This Page
Contact The Womac Law Firm onlineor call our office at (504) 470-3935today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7.
What Kind of Case Is a Slip and Fall?
Slip, trip, and fall claims fall under an area of
personal injury law
known as premises liability. Premises liability law states that property owners are
responsible for maintaining their land and buildings
to
ensure
the
reasonable
safety
of others. When
property
owners
fail to
conduct
adequate maintenance
or fail to remove,
repair, or warn
others of
dangerous
conditions, they
can
be held
legally liable for
resulting
accidents and injuries.
A “dangerous condition” is any condition on the property that poses a foreseeable
risk of injury. This means that the condition
must
be one
that
a typical
person
would
reasonably
know
could potentially
injure
someone. For
example,
a typical
property
owner would
know that
a wet floor could
cause
someone
to slip and fall,
resulting
in
injury. As a
result,
the property owner
is responsible for
cleaning
up the wet
floor or
putting out warning signs
to
let
others know
it’s there.
What Are the Most Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can lead to a range of injuries, some of which might be severe.
Common injuries include fractures, particularly of the wrist,
hip,
and
ankle,
due
to the impact of the fall. Sprains and
strains
are
also
frequent,
affecting
areas
such as the ankles
and wrists.
Head
injuries,
such as
concussions or
traumatic
brain
injuries,
occur
when the head
strikes the
ground or another
object.
Additionally,
back and spinal
cord injuries
can result from the
abrupt
jolt
of a fall.
Seeking
prompt
medical attention
and
consulting with
a knowledgeable
attorney can be
crucial
in addressing
these injuries
and pursuing
compensation.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Unfortunately, property owners do not always take the necessary steps to prevent
accidents.
Slip and fall accidents are commonly caused by:
- Uneven surfaces, such as loose floorboards, potholes, torn carpeting, and defective sidewalks
- Wet surfaces, such as slippery floors, recently waxed floors, and spills
- Tripping hazards, such as cluttered walkways, fallen merchandise, or exposed cords/wires
- Poor lighting, including in staircases or hallways
These and other hazards pose a serious risk to guests, customers, tenants, and others.
If you were injured due to any of these or other dangerous
conditions,
you
may
have
a slip and fall case.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Slip and Fall Case?
All property owners owe a duty of care to patrons, customers, guests, and anyone
else invited onto the premises. This duty of care includes making
sure
that
the
premises
are safe and free from any dangerous condition.
If
there is
a danger
present, the
property owner has a duty to
remove
it
or inform guests
with clear
and visible signs.
Failure
to do so
amounts
to negligence and
can result in liability.
When proving slip and fall liability, you must be able to show:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care, generally meaning you were lawfully on
the property when the incident occurred
- The property owner was aware of the dangerous condition or should have known about
it as a reasonable person would
- The property owner did not take action to repair the dangers in a timely manner or
failed to warn guests about the dangerous condition
- The dangerous condition caused you bodily injuries and damages
- You were not acting negligently, and the dangerous condition was not so open and
obvious that you could have reasonably avoided it
Our New Orleans slip and fall lawyers are prepared to investigate your claim and determine whether a property owner’s negligence contributed to or caused your injuries. We represent victims of slip, trip, and fall accidents resulting from unsafe conditions on public and private properties, including homes, apartment buildings, retail stores, offices, government properties, and more.
Steps to Take After a Slip & Fall Accident
Experiencing a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming and disorienting. Knowing
the right steps to take immediately after the incident can significantly impact
your
recovery and potential legal claim.
Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the aftermath:
-
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get a medical
evaluation to rule out any hidden injuries.
-
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, including any hazards that contributed to your
fall. This visual evidence can be crucial for your case.
-
Gather Witness Information:
If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information.
Their testimonies can support your claim.
-
Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident. Make sure to get a copy
of the incident report for your records.
-
Keep Records: Maintain a file of all medical records, bills, and any correspondence related to
your accident. This documentation will be vital for your legal case.
-
Consult an Attorney: Contact Womac Law Firm to discuss your case. Our experienced lawyers will guide
you through the legal process and help you understand your rights.
Taking these steps can not only help ensure your well-being but also strengthen your
case for compensation. At Womac Law Firm, we are dedicated to supporting
you
every step of the way.
Recoverable Damages in Slip and Fall Accidents
Our experienced team at Womac Law Firm is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Possible damages include:
-
Medical Expenses:
This includes all medical costs related to your injury, such as hospital bills, doctor's
fees, prescription medications, and rehabilitation expenses.
-
Lost Wages:
If your slip and fall injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to
compensation for lost wages. This includes both current and future income losses.
-
Pain and Suffering:
Settlement may be sought for physical and emotional distress. This encompasses pain,
anxiety, and any loss of enjoyment in life.
-
Property Damage:
If personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as a smartphone or eyeglasses,
you may be eligible for reimbursement.
-
Punitive Damages:
In cases of severe negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded
to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Louisiana?
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a slip and fall accident claim. In
Louisiana, the statute of limitations determines the time you must initiate legal
proceedings. It is crucial to know this timeframe to ensure your claim is valid.
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for slip and fall claims is typically
one
year from the accident date. Failing to file within this period may result
in the
forfeiture of your right to seek compensation.
Act promptly and consult with our experienced slip and fall attorneys at Womac Law
Firm to initiate the legal process within the prescribed timeframe.
Aggressive, Client-Focused Representation
At The Womac Law Firm, we take a client-centric approach to litigation. We get to
know each of our clients individually to better serve their unique concerns, goals,
and needs. Our team is available to assist you 24/7, and we return all communication—phone
calls, emails, etc.—as quickly as possible to keep you up-to-date on the status
of
your case.
If you suffered an injury on another person's property, whether private or public,
learn more about pursuing compensation for your financial losses and physical and
emotional pain and suffering. Our attorneys can explain more about the process and
what you may be able to recover for your injuries during a complimentary case evaluation.
Contact ustoday at (504) 470-3935and “Put the Womac on ‘Em!”
