If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in New Orleans, you could be entitled to compensation for your expenses related to that injury. At Dudley DeBosier, our team of experienced attorneys is focused on helping injured victims secure justice.
If you’ve been hurt by a property owner or manager’s negligence, our law firm is just a phone call away. You can trust our attorneys to guide you through the legal process and passionately defend your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to ensure a safe environment for visitors. If someone suffers an injury due to the property owner’s negligence, they may be eligible for a premises liability lawsuit.
Our New Orleans premises liability lawyers frequently handle cases involving slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security, dog bites, and other unsafe conditions across private residences, businesses, public spaces, and government-owned properties.
In a premises liability lawsuit, it must be shown that the property owner was negligent. This requires proving that the owner failed to maintain a safe environment, was aware or should have been aware of the hazardous conditions and did not rectify the situation. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and maintenance records can be instrumental in building a robust case.
Compensation in Premises Liability Cases
If you’ve been injured due to a premises liability incident, it’s important to understand the compensation you might be entitled to. Potential compensation can include:
- Medical Expenses: These incorporate hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and rehabilitation costs related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have led you to miss work, you may be compensated for lost earnings as well.
Calculating damages in a premises liability case can be complex and requires considering factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and potential long-term effects. Working with an experienced attorney can make this process easier and ensure you aren’t left with a settlement that’s far less than what you deserve.
To speak to an attorney about the potential value of your case, contact our team for a free consultation.
Types of Premises Liability Claims
Premises liability law governs the responsibilities of property owners and occupiers to prevent harm to visitors on their property. Neglecting these duties may lead to these common types of premises liability claims:
1. Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Perhaps the most well-known premises liability claim, slip-and-fall incidents can occur due to unaddressed spills, icy walkways, uneven flooring, or other hazardous conditions that are not properly marked or repaired by the property owner.
2. Negligent Security: Property owners are responsible for ensuring adequate security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable harm caused by third parties. Claims can arise from assaults, theft, or other harm that occurs due to inadequate lighting, lack of security personnel, faulty locks, or broken gates.
3. Swimming Pool Accidents: Injuries or drownings in swimming pools can lead to premises liability claims, especially if the pool was inadequately secured, lacked proper safety equipment, or if the property owner failed to warn of dangers.
4. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Property owners may be held liable for injuries caused by animal attacks on their property, particularly if the owner knew the animal was dangerous and did not take proper precautions to protect visitors.
5. Toxic Exposure: Individuals who suffer illnesses due to exposure to hazardous substances like lead paint, mold, or toxic chemicals on someone else’s property may have a premises liability claim.
6. Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Property owners and managers are responsible for the maintenance of elevators and escalators. Injuries resulting from malfunctions or failures to inspect and repair these conveyances can lead to liability claims.
7. Amusement Park Accidents: Injuries occurring from ride malfunctions, employee negligence, or unsafe conditions within an amusement park fall under premises liability. Owners must maintain rides and train staff to operate them safely.
8. Inadequate Maintenance: This encompasses injuries resulting from a failure to properly maintain property, including issues like broken handrails, potholes in parking lots, crumbling stairs, or falling debris.
Legal Considerations in Premises Liability Claims
In premises liability cases, the nature of the visitor’s presence on the property (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) can significantly impact the case, as the level of care owed by the property owner varies. Proving negligence often requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to correct it or adequately warn visitors.
There is also a one-year statute of limitations during which you can file a premises liability claim—so don’t wait to get started if you suspect that you will need to take legal action.
Connect With Our New Orleans Premises Liability Law Firm
If you have sustained injuries due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, our experienced premises liability lawyers in New Orleans are here to help. Dudley DeBosier understands the complexities of premises liability cases and is committed to fighting for your rights.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. During this consultation, we’ll listen to your concerns, gather vital information, review your evidence, and provide personalized legal advice.
