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
- What Kind of Case Is a Slip & Fall?
- Common Injuries From Slip & Fall Accidents
- How Do Slip & Fall Accidents Happen?
- How Do You Prove Negligence in a Slip & Fall Case?
- What To Do After A Slip & Fall Accident
- Recoverable Damages in Slip and Fall Accidents
- What is the Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall Accident Claim in Louisiana?
- Aggressive, Client-Focused Representation
Contact The Womac Law Firm online or call our office at (504) 470-3935 today 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.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall?
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may wonder whether hiring a lawyer is necessary. While not every incident requires legal representation, many situations benefit from the guidance of an experienced attorney. Slip and fall cases can be complex, as they often involve proving that the property owner or manager was negligent in maintaining safe conditions.
A lawyer can help evaluate the circumstances of your accident and determine whether you have a valid claim. This typically involves gathering evidence, such as photos of the hazard, eyewitness accounts, and maintenance records, to establish that the property owner failed to address a dangerous condition. Additionally, an attorney can assess the extent of your injuries and calculate the damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies and property owners often attempt to minimize their liability or deny claims altogether. Without legal representation, you may struggle to navigate the claims process or face pressure to accept a settlement that does not fully cover your losses. A lawyer can advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and negotiating for fair compensation.
Consulting with an attorney can be especially beneficial. An experienced New Orleans slip and fall lawyer understands the intricacies of Louisiana premises liability law and can guide you through the process with confidence.
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 us today at (504) 470-3935 and “Put the Womac on ‘Em!”
You're Family At The Womac Law Firm
At The Womac Law Firm, our team is comprised of experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyers who work hard to deliver you real results. We listen to your story, explain your options, and let you know how we can help. Your case matters; let us help you get the justice you deserve.
