Shreveport Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyers

Falls make up almost one-third of all non-fatal injuries and 800,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year, according to Injury Facts. When a fall is caused by a property owner’s negligence, the slip-and-fall victim has a right to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim.

If you’ve suffered an injury from a slip-and-fall accident in Shreveport, you need experienced legal support to guide you through the complexities of your claim and advocate for your rights. At Dudley DeBosier, our slip-and-fall attorneys are dedicated to providing top-tier legal representation for our clients.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can occur without warning and often lead to serious injuries. These accidents typically happen when an individual loses their balance and falls due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Whether in public spaces, workplaces, or private homes, slip-and-fall incidents are a common cause of personal injury claims.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents

• Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, recently mopped surfaces, or wet weather conditions can create slippery floors, making it easy to lose footing.
• Uneven or Damaged Walking Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, loose tiles, or uneven flooring can cause a person to trip and fall unexpectedly.
• Debris or Objects Obstructing Pathways: Items left in walkways, such as boxes, cords, or trash, can create dangerous obstacles that lead to falls.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas make it difficult to see potential hazards, increasing the risk of tripping or slipping.
• Lack of Handrails or Guardrails: Stairs, ramps, and elevated areas without proper handrails or guardrails can be dangerous, especially for those who rely on them for support.
• Ice and Snow: In colder months, ice and snow can create extremely slippery surfaces on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots if not properly maintained.
• Potholes and Cracks in Pavement: Outdoor walkways that are not regularly maintained can develop potholes or large cracks, causing pedestrians to trip and fall.

Proving Liability in Your Slip-and-Fall Case

Proving liability is a key part of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. Understanding premises liability elements, establishing the property owner’s duty of care, and gathering evidence are fundamental aspects of building a strong case.

First, understanding premises liability is essential. Property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe premises and prevent hazards that could harm visitors. To prove liability in a slip-and-fall case, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it or warn visitors.

Part of this process involves establishing the property owner’s duty of care. This means demonstrating that the property owner owed you a duty of care as a visitor. The level of duty can vary based on the circumstances, such as whether you were an invited guest or a customer.

Gathering evidence is also key to proving negligence. This evidence can include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, surveillance footage, and documentation related to the incident. Acting swiftly to preserve evidence is vital. Your attorney will help gather the necessary evidence to build your case.

Additional Considerations Under Louisiana Premises Liability Law

When filing a slip-and-fall claim in Louisiana, be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing your claim. In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the accident date to file a slip-and-fall claim.

Another important aspect is comparative negligence. Louisiana follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are partially responsible for the accident. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation may be reduced by 20%.

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Shreveport, our dedicated team at Dudley DeBosier is here to help with every aspect of proving negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us advocate for your rights.

Common Injuries From Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to a range of injuries, some of which may have long-term consequences. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with slip-and-fall accidents:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Falls can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which may impact cognitive functions, memory, and overall quality of life. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and ongoing care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord from a fall can result in partial or complete paralysis, as well as loss of sensation. These injuries typically necessitate extensive treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Common fractures include wrist fractures, hip fractures, and other broken bones, particularly in older adults. These injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgery and physical therapy for full recovery.
• Back and Neck Injuries: Slip-and-fall accidents often lead to injuries such as herniated discs, whiplash, or other soft tissue injuries in the back and neck, which can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Shoulder Injuries: Attempting to break a fall with an outstretched arm can result in shoulder injuries, such as dislocations, fractures, or rotator cuff tears, all of which may require surgery and rehabilitation.
• Sprains and Strains: Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains, occur frequently in slip-and-fall accidents and can cause significant discomfort and limit movement.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Falls can result in cuts, scrapes, and bruises, which may range from minor to severe, sometimes requiring stitches or other medical treatment.
• Hip Injuries: Particularly in older adults, falls can lead to serious hip injuries, including fractures, which often require surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods.

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a slip-and-fall accident in Shreveport, consulting with experienced slip-and-fall lawyers, like the team at Dudley DeBosier, can help you navigate your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Getting Compensation for Your Slip-and-Fall Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injuries. A successful claim can help you recover the damages needed to cover your losses and begin the healing process. Here are some of the key types of compensation you may be able to collect:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all past and future medical costs related to your injury. It can cover emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical devices or home modifications.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the wages you’ve lost during your recovery. Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to damages for loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Slip-and-fall injuries often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of your injuries, including ongoing discomfort, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Beyond immediate medical care, you may need ongoing rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of treatment aimed at helping you regain mobility and function. These costs can be included in your compensation claim.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy activities and hobbies you once loved, you can seek damages for loss of enjoyment of life. This type of compensation acknowledges the broader impact of your injury on your overall well-being.
• Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged during the slip-and-fall incident, such as clothing, jewelry, or electronic devices, you may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of these items.
• Permanent Disability: In cases where a slip-and-fall injury results in permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the lifelong impact of your injury, including ongoing medical care, loss of independence, and necessary accommodations.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases where the property owner’s negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages. Though rare, these are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

An experienced attorney can help you identify all the potential damages you’re entitled to and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Shreveport Slip-and-Fall Lawyers Today

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the team at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers is here to help. With decades of experience and a proven track record of securing over $1.2 billion for injury victims, we understand the challenges you’re facing. Our dedicated Shreveport slip-and-fall lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

At Dudley DeBosier, we treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your unique situation and crafting a personalized legal strategy tailored to your needs. We know how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be, and we’re here to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact our Shreveport slip-and-fall lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand by your side, advocate for your rights, and help you get the justice you deserve. Let us be your voice in the fight for fair compensation.