Premises liability cases are some of the most common in our legal system, often resulting from dangerous conditions like slippery walkways, tripping hazards, or even dog bites.
Though these cases are common, they’re no less serious than other types of injury cases. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Shreveport, you have the right to demand compensation for the injury-related costs you’re facing. That’s where our seasoned Shreveport premises liability lawyers come in.
At Dudley DeBosier, we focus on assisting individuals like you in seeking justice and compensation for their injuries. Our team has years of experience helping clients in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners have for injuries or accidents occurring on their premises. If someone is injured due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, the injured person may seek compensation through a premises liability claim.
Property owners have specific responsibilities to ensure their premises are safe. They must regularly inspect the property for hazards, promptly address dangerous conditions, and provide adequate warnings to visitors. Additionally, they must comply with building codes and regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on their property.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
Understanding the different types of premises liability cases can help you identify whether you have a valid claim after being injured on someone else’s property. Here are some common types of premises liability cases:
1. Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability cases. These occur when a person slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose rugs, or poorly lit areas. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe walking conditions and promptly address any potential hazards.
2. Negligent Security: Negligent security cases arise when property owners fail to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts, such as assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes. This type of claim is common in places like apartment complexes, parking lots, shopping centers, and hotels.
3. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets. Dog bites and animal attacks fall under premises liability when the property owner knew or should have known about the animal’s aggressive tendencies and failed to take appropriate measures to prevent an attack.
4. Swimming Pool Accidents: Swimming pools can be hazardous, especially if they are not properly maintained or secured. Premises liability cases involving swimming pools often relate to drowning incidents, slip-and-fall accidents on wet surfaces, or injuries from defective pool equipment.
5. Toxic Exposure: Exposure to toxic substances, such as mold, asbestos, or hazardous chemicals, can lead to serious health issues. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their premises are free from dangerous substances and that proper warnings and safety measures are in place to protect visitors.
6. Fire and Electrical Hazards: Injuries resulting from fires, electrical shocks, or explosions can be grounds for a premises liability claim if they occur due to the property owner’s negligence. This includes faulty wiring, lack of smoke detectors, or improperly stored flammable materials.
7. Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Accidents involving elevators and escalators can lead to severe injuries. Property owners must ensure that these machines are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent malfunctions and accidents.
8. Falling Objects: Injuries caused by falling objects, such as merchandise from store shelves, tools from a construction site, or debris from a building, can be the basis for a premises liability claim. Property owners are responsible for securing objects to prevent them from falling and causing harm.
9. Construction Site Accidents: Construction sites present numerous hazards, and property owners, as well as contractors, must take steps to ensure the safety of workers and visitors. Premises liability cases in construction sites can involve falls, equipment accidents, or exposure to dangerous conditions.
If you have been injured on someone else’s property due to any of these conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Consulting with an experienced premises liability attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for pursuing a claim.
Proving Premises Liability
Proving premises liability is essential when seeking compensation for injuries sustained on someone else’s property. To build a strong case, you must understand the elements of a premises liability claim, gather compelling evidence which may include expert witness testimony, and work with experienced premises liability lawyers.
There are three key elements in a premises liability case.
- Duty of Care: First, you must show that the property owner had a duty of care towards visitors, meaning they were responsible for keeping the premises reasonably safe and free from hazards.
- Breach of Duty: Second, you need to prove that the property owner breached this duty of care by failing to address or warn about dangerous conditions.
- Direct Link Between Breach and Injuries: Finally, you must establish a direct link between the property owner’s negligence and the injuries you suffered.
Gathering evidence is a key part of building a successful claim. This can include photographs or videos of the accident scene, medical records detailing your injuries, and any relevant incident reports or witness statements. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. Consulting with an experienced premises liability attorney can help ensure that all necessary evidence is collected and documented properly.
Working with expert witnesses can also significantly strengthen your premises liability case. These professionals have specialized knowledge in relevant fields, such as building code compliance, safety regulations, or accident reconstruction. Their expert opinions can provide valuable insights and credibility to your claim, helping to establish liability and the extent of your damages.
If you have been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, we can help. Contact our Shreveport premises liability lawyers today for a free consultation.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
If you suffer an injury on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Determining the value of your premises liability case is a crucial step in pursuing a claim.
Several factors can influence the value of your case, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact on your daily life
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies often play a significant role in premises liability cases. They may attempt to minimize your claim or offer a low settlement amount. Having skilled negotiators on your side is essential to advocate for your rights and fight for fair compensation.
Contact Our Shreveport Premises Liability Lawyers Today
At Dudley DeBosier, our Shreveport premises liability lawyers possess the knowledge and experience to handle complex injury cases. We understand the challenges you may face in seeking compensation and are committed to helping you achieve a favorable outcome.
If you’d like to speak with our team about your case, contact us today for a free consultation.
