Commercial and residential property owners in Louisiana have a duty of care to take reasonable actions that prevent injuries or warn others of potentially unsafe conditions. Failure to do so could result in injuries for which they may be held responsible. If you or a loved one were injured at a business or private home in New Orleans due to unsafe conditions, you could be eligible for compensation. The Law Offices of Michelle D. Robert have seasoned Louisiana premises liability attorneys who can review your claim and help you pursue justice.
What is Premises Liability?
Property owners are under a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe environment for anyone entering or visiting their property. This includes reasonable actions to prevent accidents, such as adequate lighting, clear pathways and safe stairways. Poor maintenance or other negligence can allow stairs to become slippery, walkways to become dark or cluttered and debris to be scattered around, posing increased risks for slips and falls and other injuries.
According to premises liability laws in Louisiana, property owners can be held financially accountable for preventable injuries that occur on their property caused by poor maintenance or other concerns. Premises liability claims are a type of personal injury lawsuit that can be filed against any landowner, property owner or business owner. For example, if you trip on a loose board at a neighbor’s house and fall down the stairs, they could be liable for your injury. Or, if you slip and fall on an icy sidewalk in front of a restaurant door, the business owner could be liable.
Circumstances when a person could become injured due to negligence are legion. If the personal injury is significant, you may need to pursue a premises liability personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation to pay for medical costs, lost wages and other damages.
Types of Premises Liability Claims
Property owners in Louisiana may be responsible for a wide variety of safety concerns or factors that can contribute to an injury. If it can be proven that the property owner knew or should have known about the safety concern and did not attempt to mitigate the risks or prevent injuries, you may have grounds for a premises liability personal injury claim.
Perhaps the most well-known type of premises liability claim is for slip and fall accidents. They are but a sampling of the safety issues and risks that can cause injury or death falling under premises liability. Some of the possible circumstances that can make a property owner liable for injuries include:
- Deck or balcony collapse
- Dark or unlit areas
- Dog attacks
- Falling merchandise
- Fires
- Slippery sidewalks and parking lots
- Swimming pool accidents
If you or a loved one sustain an injury while you are on someone else’s property or at a public business, you could recover compensation through a premises liability claim. The lines can be cloudy and confusing, so you need guidance and counsel from an experienced Louisiana premises liability lawyer. The Law Offices of Michelle D. Robert can review your claim and advise you on next steps and your rights.
Who Pays for Premises Liability Claims?
Most businesses and individuals have insurance coverage that handles liability claims. For example, if you trip over a loose rug at your neighbor’s house and break a leg, they may file a claim with their homeowners’ insurance company. While many may be reluctant to file a premises liability claim with their neighbors, this is why people secure insurance coverage. You should not be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses for an accident injury that was not your fault.
Commercial businesses are also mostly protected by liability insurance for incidents that occur on their property. For example, if you are assaulted in an unlit parking lot while entering your car, the business owning the parking lot can be liable for your injuries. A personal injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Michelle D. Robert can help you pursue a premises liability lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Experienced Premises Liability Representation in New Orleans
Contact our office in New Orleans if you or a loved one suffered an injury on someone else’s property that is not your fault. We offer free case reviews and will work tirelessly to win you the largest possible settlement or judgement.